Once a prosperous market of exotic goods and delectable foods, The Iron Stallion is now at the bottom of its pinnacle as a shady bazaar full of suspicious characters selling stolen goods, rare items, and illegal weapons. In short, a Black Market. The vendors here also wouldn't think twice about slashing your throat or bamboozling you.

Megalomania

Six months ago Captain Victoria Dracius-Makani of the Guardian Force issued a distress signal called “Xephyra”. It was the name given to a rogue Liger type running rampant and on a murderous path of destruction. The Zoid was uncomfortably close to Victoria’s birthplace of Terrone Town. With great urgency and concern, the Captain responded to the threat. She issued a generous reward of four hundred thousand gallos to any pilot in the area that could reel in the wild Zoid. Destroy it if necessary. Several mercenaries responded, and one in particular seemed promising. And yet there was no resolution. Unbeknownst to Captain Dracius, a much more sinister and luxurious bounty had been placed on the Liger’s capture. Eight hundred thousand. A ridiculously tempting sum.

The target had vanished. Her respondent did not answer her calls. And Xephyras… was not heard from again.

Victoria should have been relieved. The threat had passed. Towns had been rebuilt. Lives had been spared. And yet… She was nervous. The bloodthirsty Zoid still stalked in the corners of her mind and crawled up the hairs on her neck. Such a menace could not be easily subdued. Surely she yet survived? And if she resurfaced, what would the consequences be? What other lives would be on Victoria’s conscience? After all, “Xephyra” had been her operation…

She never did like a cold case.

—

[color=CC9966]"Slime of the underbelly!"[/color]

The crowd broke out in hooting and laughter.

[color=CC9966]"Wrenches of the taverns!"[/color]

They cheered and cackled among one another.

[color=CC9966]"Are you here for a fight?"[/color]

Every member of the audience roared their eagerness and stomped their feet, shaking the cold, grimy, metal stands of the underground stadium. Murky yellow light shown down from the low ceiling, filling the venue with a sickening aura. It stank of sweat, oil, and alcohol.

[color=CC9966]"Then please welcome… our champions!"[/color]

From underneath the raised stands, four iron doors slid up, and behind those a secondary door of Metal Zi bars. The final barricade retracted into the ground with the sound of shrieking steel. The moment the way was clear, a Zoid rushed free of each cell. A Konig Wolf MK II, a Geno Breaker B, a Zero Souga, and a Rez Tiger. There were no further introductions, no formalities. The four mechanical beasts surged toward each other in a clash of teeth and claws. Their behavior was strange. The sounds they made were those of fury and exhilaration. There were no screams of agony. Only rage.

The Rez Tiger was the first victim. The Souga’s long sword disarmed the Rez’s Metal Zi blade. The Konig then intervened and fired three deadly shots from its rifle, piercing through the Tiger’s midsection. Although the Rez Tiger continued its charge toward the Souga, it was stumbling from the damage. The Souga merely slashed it across the face once it was near, beheading the damaged Zoid.

While the Konig was distracted, the Breaker rushed in and swung down both axes, cleaving off the Konig’s tail and and right hind leg. The crippled wolf snarled and turned on its attacker, sinking its Electron Fangs into the Breaker B’s neck. Without so much as flinching, the Breaker raked its front claws into the stomach of the Konig, shredding past its internal circuits until the core was exposed. The Konig’s orange optics faded and it collapsed at the Breaker’s feet, lifeless.

The Souga immediately lunged into the Breaker’s face, grabbing it by it’s snout. The tyrannosaurs Zoid went crashing against the ground from the impact, it’s tail swinging about wildly as it tried to regain its footing. The Liger sprang away before the axes could react and swing down. Yet the Liger hardly gave pause, and was back in the Breaker’s range in an instant. The red Liger leapt onto the Breaker’s back and began to gauge its Wakizashi sword into the enemy’s backpack unit. The Breaker was quick to retaliate and kicked the boosters on at max power, performing a backflip that would flatten the Liger Zero.

Well, it would have...

...But the Liger was faster. She was experienced. She dodged clear of the roll and left the Breaker exposed on its back. With one final charge assisted by her boosters, she split the Geno Breaker B in two with her Katana. The crowded roared their approval, but then half of the audience erupted into screams and wails of shock. The Souga had its face buried in the Breaker’s belly, gnawing away at the Zoid’s core. From one of the opened doors a gang of Godos hurried onto the scene, all carrying large, black, cylindrical rods. They emitted an electrical pulse, and as they surrounded the Liger, a field was generated between the group of dinosaur Zoids. They carefully corralled and directed the Liger Zero Souga back toward its cell. The Liger type roared with fury and rammed against the field, desperate to be free and return to its meal. But this maneuver with the Godos seemed to have been executed many times before, and they remained persistent until the Souga had no choice but to lurk back into her pen.

When the metal doors closed again, hiding the Souga’s form from sight, the announcer returned on the intercom. [color=CC9966]"Are you not entertained?!"[/color] The crowd thundered with applause.

[color=CC9966]"We’ll be taking a brief intermission while we load in the next combatants. Please enjoy our exquisite selection of refreshments, brought to you from every corner of Zi! Our rare ‘Vipers Bite’, imported straight from the Guylos Empire, is exceptionally…"[/color]

—

On the surface, scouring the cramped streets of the Iron Stallion Bazaar, a Gairyuki Shin and Lightning Saix strode side by side. They casually made their way between shops, posing as prospective customers. However, their pilots had something much bigger in mind.

[color=66FF99]“I think you’re delusional, Vi. You lost Xephyra in Delpoi. If you think she went on the Black Market, why aren’t we in the sewers of Helic? Don’t you think this is a bit far-fetched?”[/color] The pilot of the Saix reminded his companion.

The Gairyuki’s owner scoffed. [color=999966]“I’ve told you before. We’ve seen an increased crime rate in the area slowly closing in on this location. Unorganized. Many individual cases. You don’t see criminals all moving in on a central vantage point unless something big is happening. The clues are faint, but they’re there.”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“A hunch? Since when do military commanders fly across the planet on a hunch? Yeah right! I think you just want it to be there."[/color]

Oh, if he wasn't her husband's best friend, she would have cleaned the floor with this bodyguard's face. Unfortunately, he was like family. [color=999966]“Soldier, focus on the mission,”[/color] Victoria growled. Her Zoid gave the Saix a warning thump with it’s tail. The Saix grumbled and her pilot, Ziro, gave a long sigh.

[color=66FF99]“Couldn’t anyone else be my boss… You’re no fun, Vi. Think of all the entertainment we could find here if-“[/color]

Vicky groaned. [color=999966]“Just… help me uncover what on Zi is going on in this town. And why can’t we see it…[/color]

She could just feel him grinning and- [color=66FF99]“...Hey. How about we stop for a few burgers first? It's not like we're going to find anything, so might as-“[/color]

[color=999966]“UGHHHHHHH."[/color]

—

Indeed there was an event. A single encrypted line of code that was passed from one bandit, crime lord, and underground trader to another. What was so secret? A special tournament where a new Zoids system was to make it’s debut. It claimed to be the latest piece of technology, an unbeatable program. Recipients had three options. High-paying visitors could see the show for a ridiculous entry fee. More than a civilian would have to throw around, but a reasonable amount for the illegal scum of Zi. Attendees could also enter as a combatant. There was no fee, but all participants had to bring their own Zoid, and anything taller than 14 meters would have it’s head bumping against the entryway. The event had to be as low key as possible. If they accepted Gil Vaders and Gojulas’, it would start attracting too much attention. One pilot. one Zoid. That was the rule. Additionally, any pilot that could defeat one of these modified Zoids was promised to be rewarded with a hefty sum of prize money.

And finally, anyone coming to the coliseum could also… volunteer, whether it be alone, with an Organoid, and/or their Zoid. Details were not given along with the invitation, but there was no price on this unknown type of participation.

Upon following the code to the proper coordinates of the entrance, they would find an inconspicuous hangar marked with a basic sign reading “ZOIDS REPAIRS”. Each person was stopped by the event staff. In command, a sly-faced man by the name of ‘Marquis' demanded name, any Zoid registration, company and occupation name, and their desired pass for the tournament. Spectator, Fighter, or Volunteer.

There were VIP stands high above the stadium with the best views. Commoners sat on metal benches that lined the coliseum, with enough seating for several thousand people. Various shops, food courts, and bars had been set up by all manner of Black Market vendors. Rare, exotic, and illegal food, drink, and Zoid parts were available. Around every corner, down every hallway and passage, the attendees were bustling and haggling and gossiping. The Zoid cages below the stands had no windows or open areas where onlookers could view inside. Each participant was unknown until the fight started. How the Zoids were stored, and likely the complex rooms, labs, and hangars underneath... were a mystery and off-limits to all but those who operated the event. Security was tight. There was a lot of money on the line, after all...

(Spectators can already be inside if you want, browsing the stadium or watching the previous fight. Fighters and Volunteers need to post their entry first.)

I'm actually gonna use a character I don't have listed (and may never make an official bio for, hah) but since it's no rules these days I can't imagine it matters. And I don't actually have a plan for him, but I kind of wanted someone not involved at all. But you'll also have to deal with Timber and Blade, ahahaha. All bets are off on Timber's swearing, btw, but let me know if bothers anyone and I can tone it down."Since when do you of all people care about my fucking health?"

Since you decided not to. Also, it smells, The crimson proto zaber shook his head as he prowled down the street, preventing his pilot from lighting the cigarette she was holding. Timber Okami had to brace her hands and feet against the inside of the cockpit to keep herself from getting whiplash or hitting her head on something.

"Fine, you shitlord! I'll just smoke later..." the bandit growled, slumping in the seat once Kane stopped his thrashing. The unlit cigarette she kept between her lips, but put the lighter back in her pocket. They would allow smoking in this place, right? Right???

The coordinates she punched into Kane's GPS led them to a nondescript hangar labeled for Zoid repairs. Timber quirked an eyebrow, wondering if she should roll her eyes at the obvious hiding place, but decided to do nothing as they were stopped immediately as they approached.

"Say that again, buddy?" Timber leaned over the edge, the cigarette still in her mouth losing a few shreds of tobacco in the process. "Oh. Timber Okami, Kane the Proto Zaber, we're fightin'."
The Gairyuki and Saix weren't the only two Zoids prowling around town, looking for something. Though this one, a black and silver blade liger, trotted along at a healthy clip, his great finned head swinging back and fourth constantly.

"Really wish she'd stop doing things like this," Blade Wolfe sighed, his head looking back and fourth in sync with his Zoid's. In the back seat, his organoid lay with his head on the control panel, ears flicking while the rest of him lay still.

You know she never will, though, Maelstrom rumbled, thumping his tail a few times.

"A man can dream," Blade said quietly.

Raider, the great blade liger Mk-II, rumbled in a reassuring way, rounding a corner just a few blocks away from the Saix and 'yuki. The black Zoid stopped, looking at the road before taking a few side steps so the other two Zoids would have room to get by.

Excuse us, Raider bowed his head at the pair. note to self, this guy has an E. Coyote. Never got to use one before, haha.

Up in the VIP stands, a single young man sat at a table, sipping at a glass of amber liquor and humming quietly to himself. He'd watched the last fight with something of a frown, but a bit of curiosity at the same time.

"Wonder what they did to those Zoids," he said conversationally to nobody at all, tapping at something under his coat around his neck. He was a very pretty man; golden blonde hair that curled to rest on his shoulders, bright electric blue eyes, and generally soft features. His coat a rich blue color, long but only on the sides, fringed with a dull silver pattern, elegant silver glasses, dark blue jeans and comfortable looking sneakers.

He wasn't here to fight. To be fair, he wasn't even sure why he was here at all. Life in general had just kind of blended into an amorphous blob of time and space. Or was it? Who really knew anything about time and space? Who really knew anything about anything?

(Clearly I'm not drinking enough if I'm already waxing philosophical,) he reached for his glass again to drain it, so he could order another one. He'd have no trouble ordering as many as he'd like, if the golden, jeweled rings on his hands were any indication of wealth.

The moment the Proto Zaber’s pilot revealed herself, Timber would sense a dozen different rifles train onto her from the shadows. The various levels and loading docks that would have once housed Zoids during repairs were converted into sniper bunkers for humans and Zoids alike. The barrels on the tails of Gun Snipers and Snipe Masters glinted within the dark interior. This was the only building suited to hide the entry to the coliseum, and they were sure it was well-guarded.

Marquis gave her a casual wave, the perpetual sneer still painted across his face. He seemed impervious to any rudeness or attitude they threw his way. [color=C15000]“Welcome, welcome! Miss Okami…”[/color] He hummed, inputting her information to his tablet. With a few swipes of his fingers it was done, and a keycard popped out of the mobile printer at his belt. With his other hand, Marquis grabbed a remote from the pocket on his vest. He pressed the bottom switch and the floor trembled at Kane’s feet. The ground he stood on was not flooring, but a separate platform. Gears churned and steel rattled underneath his paws. The platform began to lower, an elevator that would take them down to the action.

[color=C15000]“Good luck…”[/color] Marq called to her, tossing the registration card across the space between them once the cockpit was level with him. The sight a much more sinister expression on his face was the last thing Timber would see before another platform took the former’s place, ready to accept the next entrant. Darkness swallowed Kane.

They continued underground on the slow-moving platform for at least five minutes. At first it went straight down, then left, forward, and down again - all in complete darkness. Finally lights appeared before them and Timber could see a long corridor of steel doors that resembled garages, each large enough for a single Zoid. The lift finally came to a stop in front of the one labeled : CAGE 12 : . The red light above the door switched to green, and a console to the right of the door became active, indicating that it could accept a keycard.

Inside she would literally find herself in a steel box. There was nothing spectacular or expensive, only what she needed. There were refreshments provided on a table in the corner, a couch for her to sit, a screen displaying the arena, and several timers and scoreboards on either side of the TV.

One particular screen might capture her attention. It displayed a prompt requesting her desired battle time and slot. Other pilots were still confirming their desired spots, but there were still some openings…

Winning Zoids will be restored before the next match.
Please enter desired match number:
______

The clock was ticking.

- - -

Vicky sat with her arms crossed, feet propped up on the console, and a scowl on her face. How Ziro had convinced her to stop at a burger stand she would never figure out. It’s not like he was very persuasive. Just… frustratingly stubborn. She closed her eyes and groaned. He was taking too long. Probably chatting up the nearest female and offering to pay for her meal. Why couldn’t he just grab the damn food and get out? Her golden-toned Gairyuki had settled in the street outside, blocking half of the road with its mass.

She recognized the approaching Zoid by the sound of its footsteps alone. The gait of her husband’s Zoid was identical. Same weight, same speed, same sound. Her long days at work always ended with those familiar pawsteps. She had her own Zoid, and so never needed a ride home. But he had never, not once, failed to meet her in his Blade Liger MK II and walk home alongside her. Unconsciously, the woman relaxed at the thought. Then the Liger spoke, she opened her eyes to acknowledge the other. She froze.

Not only did this Zoid sound familiar, but it looked familiar. She scrambled back into her seat, mind racing through her memories, through countless Guardian Force profiles. Battle reports she had meticulously studied, recalling every detail. Remembering... [color=999966]Black and silver Liger…[/color]

The Gairyuki Shin politely bowed its head and raised a foot to step aside. But the pilot now had a firm grip on the controls, preventing the dinosaur Zoid from budging. [color=999966]“Hold on.”[/color] There was only one Blade Liger like this one. The ‘yuki cocked its head to the side and rumbled an apology.

[color=999966]“Second Lieutenant Wolfe?”[/color] She called out, hastily opening a comm link with the other pilot. Vicky, short and slim in stature with dirty blonde hair and golden eyes, raised her hand in a practiced salute. [color=999966]“Captain Victoria Dracius, third Helic Division. It’s an honor.”[/color] She reached into the collar of her jacket and drew the iconic pendant of the Guardian Force into view.

[color=999966]“I must get right to business. We’re investigating criminal activities in this area. Are you here on the same, or do you have any information regarding the Iron Stallion's Black Market?”[/color]

Ziro finally returned with a burger in each hand. His Saix was tucked to the side of the road behind Victoria’s Zoid. The white-haired male noticed the Lightning Saix sneaking forward to investigate the Blade Liger that had stopped beside them. Ziro cautiously approached, although when he spoke to Raider and its pilot, his tone was a relaxed one. [color=66FF99]“Yo. Are these ladies giving you trouble?”[/color] He strode over and tapped his Zoid with his foot, signaling for the curious cat to back off.

- - -

When the young man set down his empty glass it was immediately replaced with a new drink. This glass was intricate with silver accents lining the neck and trailing up into the shape of delicate stars, wings and daggers etched into the glass. Amethyst gems were infused within the base. The contents were the same expensive amber liquor he had been indulging in previously.

[color=B048B5]"It's on me."[/color]

But it was not a waiter. It was a woman, likely another VIP based on her fashion. She wore a high class black jumpsuit with a deep v-neck. The fabric shimmered with the faintest sparkle of deep violet and lavender. This particular person wore many accessories, ranging from black bracelet cuffs at her wrist to silver and amethyst jewelry. Most noticeable was her necklace, which had strange tribal markings and a pendant in the shape of a winged dagger. Her short coffee brown hair framed her sharp features. The woman's piercing silver eyes were locked boldly into his own electric blue ones.

She took a seat across from him, not bothering to ask permission. Her gaze trailed over him, deep and analytical. [color=B048B5]"You look lonely."[/color] She draped one leg over the other and crossed her hands in her lap. Then, as if she had already seen enough and grown bored of him, the girl turned her head to gaze out into the arena.

[color=B048B5]"Quite the interesting show they have. Four go in, one comes out on top. The others become nothing more than scrap metal."[/color] Her eyes followed the Godos that were still in the process of removing the Zoid remains of the last battle. The silver-eyed woman laughed, and without looking to the other man at the table, asked him, [color=B048B5]"Are these the types of games you like to play?[/color]

[color=CC9966]"We’re only ten minutes away from out next match, folks! Are you ready for a fiery bloodbath?”[/color] The announcer's voice rang over the megaphone. Timber would hear it not only through the television, but from outside the hangar. The coliseum had to be close.

[ Sounds good and no problem! I will fill the empty slots with NPCs, otherwise anyone can step in. Timber doesn't have to be in the first match if she doesn't want to, can watch and prepare. Whatever you'd like! ]

EDIT: Psttt Ian if you have questions you can pm me! c; love to have you join!

thank you!! also I think weekends are gonna be the only time I can make a post here, given how my weeknights end up going lol. Also yesss Ian join us!!! (and you know, anyone else who sees this)
Timber seemed nonchalant the entire time of leaning out of Kane's cockpit, humming softly. When Marquis looked away, she very subtly looked around, eyes roaming the dark insides of the hangar. (Wouldn't be a good day unless I had a gun pointed at me at some point.)

The floor trembled and Timber looked down at it, Kane hissing in the background over the noise of the floor moving away. Timber grinned at the man as they passed, reaching out and catching the keycard out of the air.

"Hum," Timber breathed, glancing around in the dark. A shiver traveled up her spine; she'd never quite gotten over her fear of pitch blackness after the whole Bio Cerberus incident, but as long as she didn't suddenly start smelling brimstone she figured she'd be alright.

Her boots made a hollow clomping noise as she slid down from Kane's head to stand near him. The proto zaber closed his cockpit and crouched, his bright green eye lighting up his face and Timber from behind. The Zoid's golden teeth and claws glinted eerily in the half dark.

As the lights in the distance got closer, Timber let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, scanning the area until they came to a stop in front of the door. She looked at the key card in her hand, then at the door. "You ever sometimes regret your life choices?"

Kane went to stand in the middle of the room like a statue, while Timber crossed over to the monitors with a frown. The options did not look particularly great, "Sometimes I do regret not replacing your teeth with PMZ, though, like Blade did with Raider's blades."

I'm guessing we're not fighting the Volcano then?

Timber sighed. She felt old. She'd felt old for a while now, even though she was just in her thirties. Might have been the drugs or the drinking or any great number of things that made her feel that way. She remembered when she was young and reckless; drinking her weight in whiskey, telling handsome young Guardian Force pilots to go fuck themselves, stealing everything that wasn't nailed down. Those were the days.

Feeling a weird spike of reckless nostalgia, she entered in 14 before she could change her mind.

"I guess I should stay sober for this, huh?"
Whatever picture had been used for his biography file must have been old, because Blade didn't quite look like he used to. He had the pinched, haggard look of someone who'd lost a lot of weight in a short period of time and was starting to gain it back. Unless she'd looked at his record recently, she'd have no way of knowing he'd been on a medical leave for the last few months, and still was.

Still, he saluted back, and fished out his own Guardian Force pendant from around his neck. "Thank you," he murmured back when she mentioned it was an honor. His eyebrows hiked up as she explained herself, and he glanced down for a moment.

"I'm here on personal business, actually. I'm looking for someone. But I think we may be looking for the same thing." Maelstrom appeared over Blade's shoulder at that point, making a soft 'boof' noise.

Raider turned his head to watch the saix, rumbling softly at the other Zoid, not bothered by how close it was getting. He looked down at Ziro, prompting Blade to do the same when the man spoke. "No, no trouble."
The young man sighed as he set the glass down, empty, feeling the warmth settle in his stomach. An eyebrow quirked in surprise as another elegant drink replaced the last one, and he turned a charming smile towards the woman who had brought it to him. He gave her a quick once-over, though there was absolutely nothing predatory in his gaze, only bright curiosity. "Why thank you, pretty lady."

He delicately took the glass, allowing himself a moment to take in its smell before taking a sip. "I am lonely, but that's neither here nor there," he said gently, his voice accented. The glass was set back on the table, and he leaned forward to put his elbows on the surface and rest his head in his hands.

Her question, he considered seriously for a moment, "Not specifically. Fighting for fun doesn't actually appeal to me much these days. But death does not bother me either."

He tilted his head at the announcement, reaching up to push his golden locks out of his face and tuck them behind his ear. He looked back at the woman, "May I be graced with a name? You can call me Vivi, if you'd like."

The computer screen turned to black and the lights within the steel garage dimmed. Then a timer appeared on the monitor, red text flashing across the screen as it counted down the milliseconds to the next match. At five minutes, the entire steel box that housed Kane lurched forward and began to move ahead at a slow, steady pace. It felt like a very low-speed train car being led along a side track and onto the main rail. Timber could hear the roar of the crowd and the stomping of enthusiastic feet above her as they docked at the door to the arena. There was darkness again, with only the sound of the announcer and the clamor of the audience to indicate everything was functioning as it was intended.

[color=CC9966]”All right folks! We’re headed into our fourteenth match of the night, and we’ve got a special line-up for this fight!”[/color]

1:45 remaining
PLEASE BOARD ZOID

A matching countdown was projected on one of Kane’s cockpit displays. There was the cutest little animated Liger Zero hopping up and down by the timer, a sweet smile and happy eyes drawn onto its features. It’s head was unusually large for its body.

[color=CC9966]”Let’s hear it for our brave competitors! From the North Gate, champion of Battle 9, we have Kion Arzegard, the heartthrob from the Northern Wraith! Gird your loins, ladies. He’s one HOT customer!”[/color] Kion’s introduction was accompanied by the screech of flames and ooh’s and aahh’s from the audience.

0:30 remaining

[color=CC9966]”From the East Gate, we have the latest Z-TECH computer systems! Introducing the revolutionary new AI system, you’ll see it here first folks! This Brastle Tiger will not be piloted and face off against the other competitors using its pure analytical prowess! How will it handle the human competition?”[/color] The Brastle let out a deep, bellowing roar that shook the stadium.

A speech bubble popped up beside the graphic of the Liger that said “Good Luck!”. On the opposite side of the screen, a Liger Zero EM waddled into focus. It was identical in style, just as happy and energetic. It had a bag of prize money hanging from its jaws, a symbol of the riches for the future champions of the arena.

Then the two images burst into flame and the screen flickered to a blood red. The double Metal Zi doors opened, and immediately an intense heat licked at Kane’s armor.

[color=CC9966]”And from the South Gate, we have newcomer to the arena… Timber Okami with her ferocious Proto Zaber! A unique Zoid indeed! Let’s see what this fresh face has to offer us for entertainment!”[/color]

Fire. There was fire all around them. The outside of the area was lit with flames that shifted color, from red, to blue, to yellow and then green and back again. At the center of the arena, a large basin perpetually spat out a pillar of fire that stretched almost to the ceiling. The Bio Volcano was stalking around it in a circle, brandishing its claws and tossing around its head, showing off to the audience. When Kane entered the arena, the Volcano’s attention honed in on him.

Kion, the pilot, opened a comm link to Timber. He was a young, spunky, attractive mercenary with a classic bandit look. He was quite liberal with his accessories, everything from a bandanna, to piercings around his eyes, and scars across his nose. He would look intimidating if he wasn’t strapped into the thick, dorky Bio Suit.

[color=008141]“Hey there, sweetheart.”[/color] He greeted her with a wink. [color=008141]“I’ll make it quick, and your humiliation will be minimal. And maybe, if I impress you, let me take you out after, huh? That is... if you make it out alive!”[/color]

The Brastle still stood at its end of the arena, stoic and patient. Apart from its opening roar, it had nothing to say. The computer-operated Zoid was built for combat and combat only.

[color=CC9966]”And our last combatant, the Zoid you’ve all been waiting to see… And one of the stars of our show… A new Zoid program. They’re calling this up and coming system ‘unbeatable’! Sure not to disappoint, may we present… the debut of our one and only… Deuce Wolf!”[/color]

Three pairs of blazing red eyes glared out of the shadows of the West Gate. Three independent gazes burning with fury. Looking right at Kane.

Then the wolf Zoid leapt from its cell, two head sprouting from the body of a single Command Wolf. It did not howl. It did not survey the arena. It sprinted headfirst into battle, smoke spewing from the dischargers at either flank. Soon the stadium would be covered with smoke and fire.

[color=CC9966]”FIGHT!”[/color]

- - -

[color=66FF99]“More Guardian Force? Man, I’m never gonna catch a break from you guys…”[/color] Ziro groaned. He hopped up Iko’s foreleg and settled into the cockpit, munching on his burgers.

[color=999966]”Mr. Tereya,”[/color] Victoria growled. [color=999966]”Lieutenant Wolfe outranks you, show some respect. No matter the mission, on or off duty, Helic or Empire, you will properly address our comrades.[/color]

Ziro rolled his icey blue eyes. [color=66FF99]“I’m not Guardian Force. Whatever, nice to meet you, man. I guess you’re some cool guy? I like the Zoid,”[/color] He waved at Blade and Raider.

[color=FF6600]”This one,”[/color] Iko chirped softly. She sniffed in Maelstrom’s direction and wagged her tail. [color=FF6600]"I like this one!"[/color]

Victoria cleared her throat and gestured an apology at Blade, regretting she did not have a polite companion. She signaled for the other two to follow her, and they marched along the road single file, Ziro at the rear, looking for signs of suspicious activity. They wouldn't find much standing around. Vi had them follow the direction Blade was originally going, in hopes he was onto something. [color=999966]”Hmm. Can you describe this person, and how our objectives may be the same? We’ve gotten this far, but after that, we’re not sure where to find our next clue.”[/color]

- - -

[color=B048B5]“How could a man with such charming words be so lonely?”[/color] She laughed softly, sharp silver eyes drifting back to the blonde. [color=B048B5]“You must like the peace… or maybe you don’t know what you want.”[/color]

She was quiet when he introduced himself and asked a name of her. She looked for a long time, staring into his features, analyzing every detail of this man. Then, after the awkward silence, [color=B048B5]“Vivi,”[/color] she chimed back at him, her eyes flashing. [color=B048B5]“Names are valuable. Names are dangerous. It’s not worth giving you mine, but because you asked nicely, you can call me Mir.”[/color] The woman in black winked at him.

The coliseum ignited with brilliant lights as the pyrotechnics were turned on. Overhead lights danced across the arena, four main spotlights settling on the new combatants as they entered. The pillar of flame made her squint slightly and turn her attention to the fight. It was quite the show, and the hosts seemed to have spared no expense in making the display as exciting as possible. Mir's analyzing gaze swept over the Zoids. One regular to the stadium, one AI, one newcomer, and one of their new monster Zoids. The Deuce Wolf had made the first move, charging into battle.

Buuuh sorry I didn't post last weekend, things were odd. Also, Organoids allowed in this or not? Wasn't sure if the information Timber would get would say anything about that, haha.

Timber's breath hitched in her throat when the lights dimmed and the timer popped up; she tried to sigh out the tension she suddenly had but it didn't happen.

(If I live through this, I'm going to need a drink or ten.)

She climbed into Kain's cockpit before the indicator even popped up, not interested in anything else sitting at the console. The cigarette from before had been put behind her ear at some point; now she pulled it out and the lighter again. "At least let me have one smoke before the firing squad, huh?"

Fine.

Timber smoked and watched the cute little Ligers hop across the screen, wondering when the hell she got so anxious about stuff like this. (Fuck me, I'm getting old.)

Kane's eyes seemed to light up even brighter in response to the flames, and he stalked closer to wall of light. Sighing a breath of smoke, Timber gripped the controls and sent Kane leaping through the flames and into the arena. His gold claws sent sparks screaming as he skidded to a stop in a crouch, back arched and screeching. He stayed crouched, teeth bared and green optics scanning the arena.

Timber's mind was starting to race as she looked over the two Zoids in the arena with her, debating which one to deal with first. The only other human pilot decided for her, and she quirked an eyebrow at him. "Mmm, well you've got my attention, handsome. Surely you're enough of a gentleman that you wouldn't let lil 'ol me die, right?" she blew him a kiss, winked, and shut the comlink completely off abruptly. "I hate men sometimes."

Kane snorted.

"You don't count, you're a Zoid."

The proto zaber and the deuce wolf stared each other down, even when the wolf was charging straight towards them. "Right, let's see what this little thing can do," Timber squeezed a trigger, and the vulcan gun on Kane's face lit up, spewing bullets at their charging enemy. While Kane was focused on their attacker, Timber glanced at the other two. As far as the weakest link went, she wasn't sure if it was her or not.
If Ziro was being rude, Blade didn't react to it at all. He just waved back when prompted while his organoid shifted over his shoulder, the man's hand going back to pat the wolf's face before dropping back into his lap. "Thank you. And I don't know if 'cool' is a word I'd use to describe myself, but I guess so."

Raider ruffled his face fins at the praise, and rumbled happily back at Iko, falling into step behind the gairyuki when they started moving. Blade wondered how much he should tell, given the circumstances. Well, he didn't have to tell them everything. "She, um, well she's a bandit and she should be in a red proto zaber right now. She's also prone to doing reckless things, but that's a pretty broad category. I heard her mention this place at some point to one of her Zoids, but I didn't quite catch what she was saying..." he shook his head.

Something about Timber taking off like she did bothered him. He knew she'd been feeling restless up in the mountains for so long, but the fact that she took Kane of all Zoids felt odd. Not Hurricane, not Mr Wags, not even Chaos. Kane. "Haven't seen anything out of the ordinary, then?"
The charming young man smiled, "Or those of us that have become death prefer to spare those that have not."

Ominous statement aside, he kept his face resting in his hand, smiling and waiting after introducing himself. He straightened when she answered, raising his glass towards her, "Mir it is," he took a drink.

His attention turned to the arena at the start of the fight as well, straightening in his chair as the light from the flames danced in his eyes. Each Zoid got a once-over from him, his attention lingering on the two headed dog for longer than the others.

"I can be, but not often. I will be for you, however. What are we betting?" he looked away as the wolf charged, his attention focusing back on Mir.

[ No problem, clearly not easy for me to handle frequently either! XD I’m having fun Zoid-ing, doesn’t matter the pace! Yes Organoids are OK, one per person. If you’re talking about Gyro, he could have just been there the whole time or already fused with Kane or sneak in, whatever you want. If it’s another Organoid go ahead! The underground rules are strict on entry and organization, but once the fight starts it’s no retractions, battle to the death. Also gonna switch the Mir/Vivi part around a little just so it fits in better (this round at least) but you can include it wherever you like it in your post! ]

The VIP lounge suppressed the sound of the arena, converting the roar of the crowd to a soft hush beyond the glass. The voice detailed the Zoids over the P.A. system. Several screens throughout the arena observatory displayed close-up and dynamic shots of each Zoid and the overall coliseum. It was a relaxed, theatrical, extravagant atmosphere. The high class individuals that earned such limited seating were like gods overlooking a chessboard. If the pieces were four bloodthirsty machines among a field of fire, that is.

[color=B048B5]“Money means nothing to me,”[/color] Mir began. [color=B048B5]“What I propose is much more interesting…”[/color] The woman leaned forward, silver eyes flashing. [color=B048B5]“…Information.”[/color] She told him in a low voice, like the whisper of a lover. [color=B048B5]“Loser has to answer a question, any question the other wants of them. Winning bet keeps their secrets. We both lose? We both have to forfeit information. Does this kind of bet intrigue you, Vivi?”[/color]

She turned her head sharply as the battle erupted, earrings jingling. The flames were reflected in her pale eyes, turning them an amber color. [color=B048B5]“I have confidence in the new system. I think the Deuce Wolf will be the last one alive. But they will all die.”[/color]

- - -

If Ziro wasn’t paying attention before, he definitely was now. The white-haired man leaned forward against the controls and whistled. [color=66FF99]“Wow, sounds like she’s quite the handful. Gotta make things exciting for ya… How long have you been dating, huh?”[/color]

Victoria kept on going as if her companion hadn’t spoken. [color=999966]“No, nothing unordinary. But this woman sounds like a lead. Are you able to establish a communications link with her? Where her type are congregating… That’s where we need to be. But we lack whatever directions these rule breakers have. If it’s anything like other jobs, obtaining that information won’t be easy…”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“Could always act the part and ask around?”[/color] Ziro suggested, his eyes consistently wandering the town. Despite how disinterested in the mission his language suggested, the bodyguard remained vigilant. Whether they asked for his service or not, the three new individuals traveling with them were now under his protection.

[color=999966]“Sure, until we get flagged on their systems as Guardian Force. Then what happens to us? Public execution?”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“Well… I don’t think my mug’s on file. Would kind of make my job difficult. I could blend in, easy.”[/color] Ziro grinned, amused by the prospect of playing a bandit. He’d be able to do everything that annoyed Vicky that he usually couldn’t get away with.

[color=999966]“You’d be putting too much at risk. We don’t know where to start, and we don’t now how they would react to someone snooping around. You aren’t familiar with this crowd of people.”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“So what do you want? Put Blade out there and see if he can find another bandit chick to lead him to the front door?”[/color] Ziro smirked.

[color=999966]“Absolutely not!”[/color] Vicky growled firmly. Ziro held up his hands in submission and shrugged. He went on about how she must be expecting the answer to fall from the sky, but Victoria ignored his japes, again, insisting none of them voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way.

Iko fell in line with Raider, finding the sleek Blade Liger infinitely more interesting than whatever the pilots intended for them. [color=FF6600]”I’m Iko and my person is Zirrooo!”[/color] She explained, enunciating her pilot’s name with an affectionate chirp. [color=FF6600]“You look like you’ve experienced a lot of battles. What’s your name?”[/color]

- - -

The sound of metal crashing in on itself echoed through the arena. If it wasn’t enough of an indication that the shots had connected, chunks of the Deuce Wolf’s shoulder armor exploded off of its hide. Yet the Wolf kept running, hardly a pause to its step despite the damage. Then it suddenly dug its heels into the ground and skidded to a stop. It shuffled backwards, then turned tail and ran back into the fog of thick smoke that had accumulated behind it. The artificial smoke was already spreading outwards from the source, obstructing view. Kane’s heat signature would notice the two-headed Zoid taking off toward the northern side of the arena where the Volcano stood.

The Bio Volcano stomped forward, keeping a safe distance from the pit of fire in the middle of the coliseum. It lined its sights along a straight path from its vantage point and the Proto Saber. Kion had positioned himself perfectly where, if the Deuce Wolf hadn’t moved far from is path, he’d hit them both. A shame, he did want to spare the girl, but taking out two opponents in one strike made the prize money seem that much closer…

The twin spikes at its chest spread apart. Both massive dew claws embedded into the ground to prepare to brace the Zoid for massive recoil. Purple sparks began to gather between the spikes, culminating into a glowing orb.

Still standing vigilant in front of the East gate, the Brastle Tiger swung its head from side to side, scanning the opponents. Several displays flickered to life around the empty cockpit, each displaying the status of the enemy Zoids. It was impressive technology, analyzing their threat level, weapons, and even status bars that intimated how close they were to Command System Freezes. The Deuce Wolf was already at 80% health after Timber’s first attack. Sirens were blaring within the vacant cockpit with several different screens honing in on the Bio Volcano. The top of the competition.

Similarly, the Brastle Tiger locked down, the panels on its limbs unfolding. Large footlocks pressed against ground. Golden energy gathered at its shoulders and haunches.

[color=CC9966]"Hang on tight folks, looks like things are really about to heat up! Let's hope there's something left of the arena after this fight!"[/color]

It's all good!!! But yeah, I was talking about Gyro lol, kept forgetting to ask. And yeah, switching the order of things is fine with me. :D

Vivi leaned back in his chair for a moment, taking a drink from his jeweled glass. Of course money meant nothing to her, he smiled at the thought. The man leaned back in when she did, his bright eyes intrigued at what she had to say. His eyebrows raised at her proposition, and he leaned back in his chair to consider it, his right hand coming up to feel something around his neck, hidden under his shirt. He tapped on whatever it was, looking distant for a split second.

"You have my attention. Deal," Vivi grinned at her, leaning on the table again, but not too close. His gaze roamed up to the monitors, looking them over the combatants. He felt whatever was around his neck again, voice a thoughtful hum, and his eyes seemed to spark behind the blue.

"The brastle. I think the brastle will win. But... I don't believe the pilot of the proto zaber will die. The others... perhaps."
Blade got real, real quiet at the dating jab. Quiet to the point that the whole planning conversation passed without him saying a word.

"We- well, that is... it's been- She and I have... I mean, it's only been in the last year or so-- it's kind of complicated," Blade realized he'd been rambling and put a lid on it, sighing. Maelstrom had disappeared behind his seat and was snickering, and the man didn't bother to try to stop him.

Raider was swinging his great finned head back and forth, doing his own part to look around and help, though there wasn't much to see at the moment. He looked back at Iko, wiggling his tail happily. I'm Raider, Blade is my Zoidian and Maelstrom is his organoid. I have been in many battles, but not in a little while.

Blade gave a start when he realized he hadn't introduced Maelstrom to the other two, "Oh, sorry bud. This is Maelstrom, by the way." The organoid put his paws up on the back of Blade's seat, his tail wagging.

Yooo, sup?

The Zoidian was musing on the conversation he'd half-missed, stuck on a certain point. He should be able to contact Timber... it felt obvious, but he was missing it.

Your phone?

"...fuck," Blade whispered to himself, putting his face in his hands and sighing. Once he recovered from his own embarrassment, he dug around in the pockets of his pants until he unearthed his phone. Timber was the first number on his speed dial, and he punched it in. He tilted his head a little as it kicked straight to voicemail. "That's... odd. Either she turned it off or... she's somewhere that doesn't have a signal."

He closed his eyes, and Maelstrom's eyes seemed to flicker dark for a moment too. "She's here though, I can tell. She's in the city somewhere."
Kane hissed in pleasure as the charging wolf seemed to ignore the damage it was taking, Oh, this is going to be fun.

"Glad you think so," Timber was watching the Volcano instead, cursing the man from one side of Nyx to the other. So much for feminine wiles, but that was fine. (I'm more worried about the brastle anyway. I've beaten a volcano before, and I somehow doubt this guy is as good as Seijaku is.) Taking a deep pull of her dwindling cigarette, she snorted as the wolf turned to run, and the brastle locked down, "And that's what I was afraid of. Surprised this damn thing is working, tho." Timber glanced at the readout of the heat signature radar, squinting at the wolf's position, then looking over the other two.

After a few seconds of contemplative thought, Timber abruptly turned Kane and started running for the lava tiger, but didn't fire on it yet. "Gyro, buddy, how you doin'?"

It's a little hot in here. Timber heard the reply in the back of her mind.

"Go ahead and come out, I doubt anybody is going to see you at this point."

A little raptor of orange and blue wiggled his way out from between Kane's back and his backpack unit, blue wings snapping open and catching the air, pulling him away from the running proto zaber. Gyro hovered where he was, more for his own safety than anything else. He could easily get to Timber if she needed him.

Timber's hand hovered over the anti-CPC shield, watching the volcano and counting under her breath as Kane slowed down, not trying to actually close range with the brastle just yet.

[ Heheheh! (loud snickering) I actually didn’t read into the Blade/Timber relationship, was going purely off of what Blade said in this RP and how Ziro interpreted it. That is too funny. XD ]

Her sharp eyes were on the man in blue, taking careful notes of his every move. She didn’t like to lose on a normal day, but Vivi’s character drastically increased her desire to win. By the end of this, she must learn something about him. Mir smiled at him, [color=B048B5]“Sounds like a double bet to me. A secret for whether they all die or the girl lives, and a secret for the victor. Fair? I hope you’re ready to pay up after this, Vivi…”[/color]

- - -

Ziro had to temporarily turn off his comm link with the others to allow himself some time to just laugh at Blade’s adorable embarrassment. He decided not to torture the other man about it any further, although it was so, so tempting. He had met his fair share of fellow military men that were smitten and often clueless when it came to women. Blade seemed to be no different, but he was a good guy, at least to Ziro. He was glad they had pleasant company, rather than another strict type like Vicky.

[color=FF6600]“Hi Raider!”[/color] Iko mewed, giving him a gentle brush with her snout against his shoulder. [color=FF6600]“A Zoidian? Aren’t Zoidians old people? He doesn’t look old. I meant he has some silver fur but not enough to be a Zoidian… right?”[/color] She asked inquisitively, trying to peer into the cockpit to get a better look at Blade. Her head got uncomfortably close to Raider’s, and Ziro had to feint a cough to hide his fading laughter from Blade. He scolded Iko and pulled her back a bit, but now the Saix’s attention was drawn to the recently introduced Organoid.

[color=FF6600]“Hello! You’re like a little Zoid! I like you a lot, you have a really cool horn! Right here!”[/color] She pawed at her own forehead and earned another yelp from Ziro.

[color=FF6600]“Can I get one?”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“Uh… sure, girl, we’ll look into it once we’re home, all right? Then you’ll practically be uhm- Maelstrom’s… twin sister!”[/color] He grinned and patted her console. Iko squeaked excitedly, her gait turning into a delighted skip alongside Raider.

Victoria’s group turned quiet after hearing the result of Blade’s phone call.

Finally Vicky spoke, thinking aloud. [color=999966]“Out of range? Maybe beyond the city where there’s no reception-“[/color] She stopped and shook her head and Blade’s latest comment. Whatever strange intuition the Zoidian had was better than nothing. [color=999966]“All right… So must be turned off then? What else is out of range? In the air?”[/color] The Gairyuki’s headed titled upwards. It was a clear blue day, nothing flying overhead. Besides, if so many mercenaries and outlaws were gathering in a central area, there would be many flying and transport Zoids converging on a single point. It didn’t add up.

Ziro was unusually silent and thoughtful, then he muttered, [color=66FF99]“…No, underground.”[/color]

[color=999966]“…What?”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“...It would make sense, right? These black market, bandit, criminal guys love their dark alleyway shit. What better place to be hidden and do whatever they’re up to?”[/color] He turned his head to look over in Blade’s direction. [color=66FF99]“What do you think? Is an underground shindig with a bunch of shady guys something your girlfriend would do?”[/color]

Iko slumped a bit and sighed. [color=FF6600]“I’m not a very good digger... This is gonna be hard!”[/color] she confessed to Raider, flicking one of her slender claws out from the protective armor of her paws. And they were so shiny and pristine too! She didn't want to get them all messy and clogged with dirt.

- - -

Alarms blared in the Volcano pilot’s ears. Visual indicators flashed around the image of the Brastle Tiger, warning him the enemy Zoid was locked on. But the bold champion would not be deterred so easily. He continued to charge the particle beam, but ordered the Volcano to widen its stance. The orb at its abdomen flared in size and intensity. Then, in one crackling boom, it fired.

[color=008141]“Here we go!”[/color] Kion roared, forcing his Zoid to rotate on one foot. With great strain, the Volcano swung its body, sweeping across half the stadium to try and first incinerate Timber and Kane, and then the Brastle Tiger at the end of the rotation.

Despite this, the Brastle still fired its assault, sending amber lights racing across the space between it and the Volcano. However, through a lightning fast calculation, it disengaged and sprang to the right at the last possible second needed to avoid the attack. When the beam dissipated, it had strafed safety out of reach.

The Volcano’s left knee snapped from the maneuver, faltering an inch before it would have reached the Brastle's previous spot. The Volcano fumbled and the particle beam fizzled out into nothing. The thermic laster beams rocketed down from above. Kion growled and initiated the Volcano’s thrusters, and all six burning jets burst to life at max power, launching the Bio Volcano away from the blast zone. Its armor was still singed by stray shots, but it avoided the pool of lava that now sizzled where it once stood. [color=008141]"Gonna take more than that, you lousy computer!"[/color]

All the while, the audience cheered and screamed and yowled in awe. Whenever a shot or blast came near, it splattered against a high density, all purpose bubble energy shield that protected the crowd. They could enjoy Kion and his Volcano’s display without risking their lives.

The limping Bio Volcano landed in the dense fog of smoke, taking shelter for the time being. The Brastle paced the outskirts of the arena, stalking northward away from Kane. Steam rose up from its joins, automatically cooling the tiger-type.

A black Liger Zero Schneider moved slowly through the streets, head sweeping to take in everything around it, as well as to confirm that alleyways and ambush points were empty. The Zoid looked like it was prowling for prey, or a rival...and such an assumption would not be far from correct. Both Zoid and pilot were itching for a fight, there was a prize to be had tonight. The bandit he had ambushed had surrendered the info to him to save his own hide, but his Zoid hadn't been so lucky. Schneiders had a well-earned reputation for close combat ability, and Ransack had a knack for catching his prey off guard. Equipped with an optical stealth in addition to his standard arsenal, the Zoid and pilot had recently begun taking advantage of the increased activity around this area.

The Zoid growled low and hesitated at a corner, taking a cautious step backwards. The pilot couldn't miss his partner's cue if he had been asleep. Warily, the Schneider eased it's head back around the corner. Most of the streets weren't empty, but an entourage of Zoids was almost always trouble. And a mix of Republican and Imperial usually meant one of two things: bandits, or Guardian Force. Looking at the back sides of a Gairyuki, Blade Liger MK II, and Lightning Saix all together probably ruled out bandits. His eyes narrowed, and the Liger slipped quietly back around the building.

Could be competition.

"They don't look like they know where the tournament even is. If they're competition, they can stay lost, I don't want to deal with them."

Not feeling up for a challenge?

"I just don't feel like playing fair." He couldn't help but grin. He knew his Zoid shared his sentiment. Ransack was violent, but really enjoyed playing dirty. Hit them hard and fast, preferably before they know you are there, and definitely from an angle they can't easily defend.

What's the plan then?

He considered. "We'll go the long way around. Try to make sure they can't follow us. Then hit the destination. Assume they are GF, or lost their invite. I don't know or care." He shrugged, and the Liger slowly crept back with the same caution as before and selected a different route.

I skipped over a lot of stuff I had planned plot wise, including Timber and Blade actually being an explicit thing LOL.

Vivi smiled right back at her, as if aware of her burning desire to know more about him. Still, he remained as lovely and mysterious as he had so far, lightly nodding. "Deal. Of course I'm ready to pay up... are you?"
Raider was patiently tolerant to the invasion of his personal space and all the questions. You don't have to be old to be a Zoidian, the black Zoid chuckled.

Blade was staring down sadly at his phone, eyes darting back and fourth as he tried to think and listen. He looked up at Ziro as they started talking about their destination being underground, perhaps.

"...yes. Yes it is," Blade dropped his phone into his lap and sighed, putting his face in his hands for a moment. "Timber..."

Could always ask that guy? Maelstrom pointed his nose ahead of them, but when Blade looked he didn't see anything.

"What?"

Huh, thought I saw something. My bad!
Timber hit the CPC shield, and twisted the controls hard to one side. Kane whipped around to face the Volcano as the shield popped up, and he skidded to stop in a crouch as the shield weathered the blast.

"Let's see if this works," Timber hit the stealth controls as the beam fizzled out, dropping the shield at the same time. She hoped the smoke and the way the air was boiling would hide the semi-visible outline of her Zoid. Maybe they'd think she got obliterated in the blast.

She stopped to take stock of the situation, looking at her heat radar to see if she could tell where the wolf had disappeared to. "That brastle is still the biggest problem, but I'm real hesitant to get close... Ah fuck it, let's see."

Kane started after the brastle, cantering and sticking as close to the wavering heat of the inner column of fire as he could stand.

Having ascended to avoid the carnage, Gyro beat his wings in the hot air, waiting for when he'd be needed.

Mir glared at him, but the sharpness to her eyes only lasted for a fleeting moment. She then offered him a charming smile, [color=B048B5]Of course I am.”[/color] Her attention returned to the arena, watching the chaos unfold. Even through the smoke and debris, she did not lose sight of the combatants.

[color=B048B5]“It seems your girl’s lucky, Vivi… But will it really last?”[/color] A grin tugged at the corner of her lips.

- - -

Ziro frowned, gazing across the space between their cockpits, watching Blade. He temporarily disabled a link to Vicky and spoke through a private line with the Zoidian. [color=66FF99]“Hey. Your girl sounds tough, she’ll be all right. We’ll find her, okay? Keep your head up.”[/color] He gave the fellow pilot a brief thumbs up, then opened the radio with his captain again. At Maelstrom's comment, the Saix and Gairyuki stopped dead in their tracks.

[color=FF6600]“Where!?”[/color] Iko chirped excitedly.

[color=66FF99]“I wouldn’t be too surprised if he did. We certainly stand out. probably shouldn’t be eating up the whole road…”[/color] Ziro sighed. He clamped the bridge of his nose between his fingers, mind racing. [color=66FF99]“Blade... You mentioned she talked to her Zoid about heading out? If you can’t even connect to that Zoid, it must be out of range with her. Meaning… Any others are likely piloting Zoids too. Not on foot. We could track a few Zoids in town and see where they-“[/color]

[color=999966]“Lieutenant Wolfe! Can you send your Organoid to scout?”[/color] The thrusts on her Gairyuki’s hind legs triggered, shooting the Zoid skyward. The gold tyrannosaurus soared along the tops of the buildings, rolling its head left and right, on the lookout for any Zoids or unusual individuals.

[color=66FF99]“Way to be inconspicuous, Vi... and I always hate splitting up! C’mon Iko, we’re going for a run.”[/color] The Saix swerved until she was completely turned around, then took off down the road.

[color=999966]“Stay in contact. If you need to confront someone, call for backup first!”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“C’mon Vi, we're better than that!”[/color]

- - -

[color=008141]“Hah! If you couldn’t handle that, you weren’t worth my time anyways…”[/color] Kion shouted at absolutely no one. Timber had stopped listening a while ago. He was laughing in the direction Kane had been. There was nothing left!

The Volcano turned to face the Brastle, huge razor claws clicking together with anticipation. It took a step forward, testing the effect of weight and stress on its injured knee. The limb held together, but took great effort to move. Not to be deterred, the Bio Zoid closed in one step at a time, beady eyes burning with the light of a red-hot flame.

The sound of rushing mechanical paw steps interrupted the dinosaur Zoid. It paused, and before it could react, a white form with two heads leapt from the smoke. The jaws of one head were alight with the infamous crimson and violet light of the Ragnarok Fang. A shrill scream left Kion’s lips, but the sound was engulfed in a massive explosion. The Deuce Wolf’s fangs dug deep into the Zoid’s core and blew the Zoid’s chest apart into a million pieces, and the rest of its corpse was left scorched and shriveled on the ground. The crowd shrieked and exclaimed in terror. Fire and smoke encompassed the remains of the Zoid.

It turned its attention back to Kane’s last known location. The heat signature triggered, yet the results were inconclusive. Searching… Searching… It would catch Kane’s form blinking across the radar, but the moment the Brastle had a lock, Kane’s body vanished among the wave of heat from the center of the arena. The Brastle snarled and clawed at the ground, reassuring itself, Proto Zaber, 98%. It was there, and over the course of a few seconds it analyzed and determined the range where the Zoid could be based on the fragments it found on radar, although no definite location could be pinpointed.

Nine shots from the Triple-Barreled Shock Cannon at the Tiger’s chest rang out. The Zoid pivoted slightly to cover more range with the intention of fishing the enemy feline mech out of hiding. Anything in front of the Brastle, in the 30 meter wide area, ran the risk of intercepting the shots. The Brastle tried to keep its rear facing the back wall at all times, though it did not get close enough to run the risk of burning its hide.

[Sorry it's been so long, lot going on, not the least of which was writer's block lol :). I am alive though, promise :3 ]

Ransack had slipped down a side alley to avoid contact with the unknown Zoids, and both pilot and Zoid were a little agitated about the detour. We could have just pushed past them. Or THROUGH them.

The young man sighed. "Gairyuki. Your blades are useless." His Schneider only growled in response. Running one hand through his hair, he continued. "If it were just the cats, I wouldn't have cared. But anything that resists your main weapons is too much effort to kill if there's no reward waiting for us afterwards."

The lion Zoid growled again, but more conscedingly this time, pawing at the ground in frustration. Fine. But I want to fight SOMETHING soon. You promised a hell of a night, so far it's been a flop. I hope this is worth our time, for their sakes.

He grinned, but it quickly dropped. He swore at his carelessness and lack of attention. He could hear other Zoids moving, and close. Boosters? Running feet? With just a nudge on the controls, Ransack went flat against the ground. An onlooker might think the Zoid resting, or that the pilot were about to disembark or return, but with Ransack, the posture was also excellent for pouncing."What kind of company do we have, I wonder?" He considered optical stealth, but there were still a few people around. Disappearing might seem too suspicious.

Vivi's bright eyes roamed the arena, though most of it was smoke and fire. He only smiled and didn't respond as the battle raged, the Volcano getting decimated by the Deuce wolf and subsequently destroying itself in the process. The blonde put his hands up in mock surprise, looking at Mir.

"Those of us born with lightning in our souls do not fall easily. Let's see if it's enough."
Blade didn't have time to say anything in response to Ziro, though the Saix pilot would see the Zoidian's hopefully optimistic expression before they all got distracted.

He watched the gairyuki head skyward, looking over his shoulder at Maelstrom, "Do you mind?"

Naah. Looking for random suspicious Zoids isn't hard, Maelstrom stood, climbing onto the console and over Blade's shoulder as the liger cracked his cockpit, squeezing out and taking wing. The man wasn't particularly fond of the idea of splitting up either, though he had come here alone and everything...

"Do you think he actually saw anything?" Blade asked his Zoid once he was sure Maelstrom was gone.

May have. I wasn't paying attention. Raider shook his head, his mane ruffling. Blade looked in the direction he saw his Organoid take off in, and Raider took the hint and trotted to follow.

The wolf really did think he saw something, so he ascended enough to get a good view and started to glide, scanning the ground. The black schneider made the organoid frown, and he started to circle overhead a few times, looking for a pilot coming or going.
Kane stopped mid-step, his head snapping up as the floor shook and the other pilot's scream was suddenly silenced. Timber felt a shiver run up her spine, but ignored it.

"That's what you get, idiot."

I think the brastle can still see us, Kane hissed, bringing Timber's attention back to their situation. She hauled the controls hard backwards, and Kane hopped away a few times to clear out of the shock cannon's effective range. It left them all at something of a stalemate.

"I'd like to get close enough to melee it, but I don't want to stay away for too long or we're going to get melted. I'd also like to keep Gyro from getting involved quite yet..." Timber looked up, not able to see through the haze of heat. Their opponent seemed to know they were still alive, and roughly where they were...

Kane twisted and started to circle around the other side, putting the pillar of fire between them and the other big cat, heading in the direction of the lava pool from earlier. It had to be able to see them because of their heat signature, so...

(Starting to wonder if I can throw the AI off by doing something stupid... but what?)

Mir did not spare her tablemate a reaction when her betting Zoid fell to its demise. She seemed to have heard Vivi, but the woman was distracted. Her fingernails clawed against the surface of the table, creating a soft whine. She mouthed something, and then with a distant hum, responded, [color=B048B5]“Perhaps it will.”[/color]

- - -

The Gairyuki Shin and Lightning Saix were long out of sight, vanishing between the buildings. The town was quiet, the skies even more so. But a whistle, sharp and sudden, hit Maelstrom’s ears. While the black Organoid was distracted watching the Schneider, a metal beak clamped around his small form from behind. Upon collision, the optical stealth began to flicker off of his attacker’s armor. The Zoid swooped down, landing atop one of the buildings in the alleyway, adjacent to the building the Schneider was parked beside. Once its talons touched the ground, the stealth faded. The jet black Critical Eagle lowered its head, examining the prize between its jaws.

[color=996666]You won’t run, if you know what’s good for you.[/color]

It turned its head to look at the Schneider now, its bright gold eyes blinking quietly at the crouched Zoid. It tossed its head around slightly, waving its catch to get the other black Zoid's attention. The Eagle seemed to be mocking the Liger as if to say 'You're going to get caught like that'.

- - -

There was an eerie howl that gripped the arena, the sound mixed with decay and fury. From the shroud of fog, the Deuce Wolf emerged as a fireball on four legs. Its left head had been completely blown apart, and a fire raged where its neck once connected to its torso. The opposite head was burned on one side, and the entire Zoid was a charred black color. Yet it kept running, a broken mechanical beast of pure resolve. Kill. Kill. KILL!

It sprinted right past the invisible Proto Zaber, either unable to detect the invisible Zoid, only simply lacking concern for the cat at present. The Deuce Wolf narrowly avoided the lava pool, and continued its straight shot for the black tiger Zoid at the other end of the arena.

Locking down once more, the Brastle set its sights on the undead Zoid. Heat gathered at its shoulders and hunches. The Wolf was bridging the distance between them, and fast. Fiery yellow streams of light exploded outward from the Bastle, colliding with the ground at the Wolf’s feet.

It kept running. Its paws were nearly lost in the lava, but it continued to push forward. When it started to sink, it sprang from the pool, into the air, and cleared the blast zone. There was nothing but clear terrain between it and the Brastle Tiger now. A loud screech sounded from the Brastle, issuing a built in distress signal. It backed up, tail singed by the wall of flames along the outside of the arena. The Brastle was still recovering from its previous attack, jets of pure heat exhaust pouring out from the vents in its body. REQUEST BACKUP. ERROR. DANGER!

For a moment, the Schneider remained unmoving. The Critical Eagle's taunt seemingly ignored. But as its head lifted to regard the flying Zoid, it issued a low, broken growl, if a lion could laugh, this was it.

"Well partner. Looks like we get to kill something sooner than expected. And a flying Zoid might actually put up a fight...might." With as casual a gesture as pushing a button, the Schneider vanished, optical stealth kicking in.

About time. I don't care if it fights back or not. Challenging us was suicide!

Angling just a little, two shots exploded from the twin shock cannon on Ransack's chest before he surged forward and to the side, claws sending earth flying as he launched himself at his target, eager to close the distance before the Critical Eagle took to the air.

The only surprise Vivi showed when the Wolf came back from the dead was both of his eyebrows hiking up, and a curious "Huh."

Slowly, he looked over at Mir, one eyebrow still quirked, as though he thought her behavior... a little strange.

"Are you alright, my dear?"
Both of Maelstrom's ears pivoted at the sound, and he looked away from the schneider to find the source of the noise. The wolf snarled and struggled against the metal closing around him, snapping at the air. He pinned his ears down and bared his teeth when it spoke, bladed tail thrashing but doing no good.

This is not going to end well for you, buddy, the Organoid hissed.

Raider had been trotting to follow Maelstrom, and stopped when he got grabbed out of the air. Blade winced at the phantom feeling of getting grabbed, having to shake his head to get out of it, and stared at the two Zoids ahead. On some level, Blade just wanted to put his face in his hands and let his Zoid deal with it, but that didn't seem fair.

Blade sighed, and hit the broadband intercom, "I'd... I'd like it if you could let go of my Organoid. Please?""...that'll do it."

Timber hauled back and down on the controls, sending Kane into a huddling crouch just before the remains of the wolf thundered past them. The bandit's eyes were huge at the sight of the thing, and she wondered distantly when she signed up to be in a shitty zombie movie.

"Come on," she directed Kane to follow after, skirting the existing lava puddle and following. Timber narrowed her eyes as Kane's own alarms started to blare, the Brastle launching another attack right in their path. It hit the wolf but didn't slow it, leaving the hazard between them and the other two. All of the boosters suddenly started to hum and the wing flaps on the attack unit fanned out, all engines flickering as he closed in.

Taking a great leap on the edge, all the boosters firing at once as the energy tank fed them enough power to give Kane some wings... for a few seconds anyway. Long enough that he thudded into the arena floor on the other side of the lava, the stealth finally coming down but the boosters still on full. They closed the distance, though the boosters cut abruptly, giving the Wolf at least a few seconds of time with just the brastle.

Kane screeched, his claws and fangs lighting bright gold and red as he closed in, crouching within striking range. He kicked off and all the boosters fired again, the strike lasers of his claws stretched out in front, aiming to crash into both of them and send them all slamming into the wall of fire.

Mir turned to her table companion and gave him a crooked, devilish smile. [color=B048B5]“Now, now, Vivi…”[/color] She said calmly, waving her finger at him. [color=B048B5]“That’s not how this game works. You get your secrets after the fight is over. Don’t celebrate too quickly now…”[/color] The woman turned her head back to the chaos unfolding in the arena. The crowd was going wild ever since the reappearance of the Deuce Wolf, and Timber had earned herself applause and cheers from a large portion of the crowd.

[color=B048B5]“She may not fall easily, but she could still fall…”[/color]

- - -

The Critical Eagle cocked its head to the side and glared at Raider with its gleaming yellow eyes. The earlier voice from the Zoid chuckled. [color=996666]No.[/color]

Impacts split the air and the aerial Zoid shuddered from the blast, fresh damage scattered across its torso. The Eagle was resilient, and refused to utter any sounds of pain or distress and risk losing Maelstrom. The Organoid could catch a flicker a fear in its optics when the Schneider went right for them, disregarding the damage it would do to its perch, the city, or the attention it would attract. The Liger’s eagerness to kill startled the flying mech, and it jumped backwards using its legs, the boosters assisting on sending it back and up out of range before the Schneider could sink its claws and fangs into it.

The Buster Turret on the Zoid’s back took aim. Rather than attack the Schneider, the Eagle fired at the roof of the building, intending for it to collapse and bury the black Zoid that had tried to pursue them. The blast was incredibly loud, and the powerful recoil sent the flying Zoid farther back in the air, above the tops of the tallest buildings now.

[color=996666]Just... wonderful.[/color] It had gone from an ordinary, bustling day to a war zone in a matter of about three seconds.

[color=999966]“Blade?! What’s going on!”[/color] Victoria called sharply over their communications line. She saw smoke, and a black Zoid fly high into the air. Her targeting systems aligned with the Eagle, but she waited before initiating.

Iko and Ziro turned sharply as soon as they heard the attacks start. The sudden change of course made the Lightning Saix yip with excitement, and she rushed to try and meet up with Raider.

- - -

The Brastle went full melee. The laser blades were drawn, red light gathered at its paws, and a golden aura surrounded its fangs. The Tiger and Wolf type clashed with the agonizing screech of metal. The Deuce Wolf was fast and nimble, rushing right under the Brastle’s attacks, enduring any slashing its body took, and going right for the Brastle’s underbelly with its fangs. There were a few moments where the Brastle was stunned, unable to properly attack the smaller Zoid that was digging its fangs into its stomach.

Kane collided with them with the force of a train. Despite the impact, the Wolf remained clamped into the Brastle’s hide. The combatants were tossed against the wall, shrouded in fierce flames. The final slam against the arena jerked the wrestling Zoids apart. Howling in pain, the Brastle lived only a few moments more, flailing and thrashing to try and get free of the flames, but there was nothing left to keep it going. The Deuce Wolf had snatched its prize from the Brastle’s belly. After being tossed away from the Brastle and into the flames, the Deuce Wolf shakily rose to its half-melted paws and stalked back into the arena. It was covered in fire, its body now colored black and dark umber. In its fangs, it quietly munched on the melted remains of the Brastle’s core. The Wolf was barely strung together, its armor singed off, weapons smashed clear of its body, and second head still only a burning red light where its neck had once connected to its body. It was a walking corpse, but through the deep wounds in its armor, its core yet pulsed and hummed. It would still fight.

It turned its head to see in Kane would appear from the flames too. If it would see the enemy Zoid, a familiar purple glow would flash across the Deuce Wolf’s teeth. It was still hungry.

Ransack had intended to use the building as a platform to jump after the flying Zoid, but as it collapsed in front of him, he growled and veered away from it, pounding on past to search for a new way up.

The Schneider growled in frustration. No good. It's too high up, we just can't reach it.

The pilot sighed. His Zoid was right. The Critical Eagle had been too far at the beginning, and now if he dropped optical stealth it could simply rain fire on the from above. On the other hand, if he judged the city correctly, there wouldn't be many people interested in pursuing fighting Zoids for any reason other than placing bets.

Bets.

Crap. He'd forgotten about the whole reason he was here in the first place. He sighed again. "Well, if we can't reach it, I guess we just have to move on. We do have a destination anyway."

Ransack growled. You think it'll just let us walk away?

He shrugged. "Doesn't matter if it LETS us or not. But we have some place better to be and with stealth up, let's make a go for it." Pulling back on the Schneider's controls, the invisible Zoid slowed and turned down a side street. "Besides, maybe this will liven things up around here!"

Vivi quirked an eyebrow at her, looking concerned. His attention didn't return to the arena, instead focused on Mir completely.

"I wasn't asking for a secret, I was asking out of legitimate concern. You seemed... distressed," he watched Mir for a good couple seconds, then reached for his glass to take a long sip, and turn his attention back to the fight. Should have listened to him!

Maelstrom hunkered down where he was pinned when the two Zoids started fighting, his wings snapping closed so they didn't get damaged. For now, the Organoid was just fine holding on and watching. He'd get out of this, he always did.

"Not like I expected a different answer," Blade sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Raider's tail whipped back and fourth as he watched, knowing full well that fighting the flying Zoid was going to be difficult if not impossible. Instead, he turned his attention towards the building, and the wavering shape he'd seen run away from it.

"My organoid got taken by that bird, and... something tried to attack it, but I can't exactly tell what. I'll... go make sure nobody was hurt in that building, I guess," Blade switched back to the private intercom between the two before speaking, and now pushed his Zoid into a trot to check for damages and help if anyone was hurt. Very suddenly, the Zoidian was starting to feel his age, and he didn't like it.
Timber grit her teeth against the impact, ignoring all the sirens and alarms as they started blaring. Motion servos overheating, weapon systems shutting off, damage reports as Kane's armor started to soften...

She ignored all of it and pushed Kane forward, the cat leaping at the wall in the flames and charging a few body lengths up it. Timber had to override the safeguard, but she kicked the boosters on despite them threatening to explode, helping Kane get some distance before she yanked back hard on the controls and pushing away from the wall and leaping through the air.

Kane cut loose a hellish screech as he burst from the flames, his paws and fangs alight with lasers and rage. Timber knew the strike lasers would do nothing, given that their systems were starting to fail from the heat. At this point, it was just for show. Her actual plan was far more simple; she wanted Kane to simply land on the wolf, crushing it. Eve only knew how much damage the impact would cause to them, but either way, this would be the end of the fight.

The Critical Eagle ignored its helpless catch and took higher into the sky. The optical stealth shrouded the Zoid once more, and it vanished among the clouds.

[color=999966]“Roger that, I-“[/color] Victoria had her sights on the enemy, but before she could properly target it, the Eagle disappeared. The Gairyuki thrust its boosters to full and began to scout the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the invisible figure. [color=999966]”…Damn it, this one’s gone too…”[/color]

[color=66FF99]”You couldn’t tell what is was? Like that mystery someone Maelstrom thought he spotted?”[/color] Ziro was focused on intercepting Blade’s location to help out, when Iko jammed her heels into the ground to come to a sudden halt.

[color=FF6600]”Ziro we have to go help Maelstrom!”[/color] Iko yelped sharply, staring straight up at the sky.

[color=66FF99]”We will girl, we will, easy-“[/color]

There was the faintest wavering of clouds, and a tiny speck of black in the shape of a wolf that appeared to glide through the air without wings. Without waiting for her pilot to comply, the Saix turned tail and took after the distant figure best she could. Ziro kept his eyes in the sky, desperately trying to follow along as the tops of buildings began to obscure their line of sight. The Eagle was drifting lower, like it was about to land.

The Critical Eagle dropped speed and vanished among the tops of the rooftops, landing on makeshift landing pad on top of a hotel and garage-like structure nearby to the disguised Zoid Repairs shop. When its claws touched down, the weight of the Zoid triggered a mechanism at its feet. The platform of the roof dropped down, and the Eagle was lowered onto an elevator. A large panel covered the roof after the Eagle’s head cleared it.

[color=996666]We need you for something important. It's good you're here,[/color] The Critical Eagle told the Organoid softly as they descended into darkness.

- - -

Mir broke out in laughter, shaking her head. [color=B048B5]“You needn’t worry about me, Vivi… besides, we’ve only just met. Surely there are others more worth your concern…”[/color] She stared right back at him, gaze unwavering, although not entirely truthful. She waited until his attention shifted back to the fight before she too turned her gaze on the clashing Zoids. Two down, two left, literally on their last breaths…

[color=B048B5]“Let’s see how our bets turn out…”[/color]

- - -

It all happened much too fast. The Deuce Wolf was too occupied with having the Brastle’s core as a meal to compete with the sheer speed of ferocity that Kane had as he leapt from the fiery tomb. The Wolf had time to turn and bare his teeth, but before Ragnarok could fully charge, the Proto Zaber bore down on the Wolf. Its already fragile body snapped in two from the larger Zoid’s weight, and the core was ripped from the torso of the undead-like Zoid. Finally, the Deuce Wolf took its last breath of its unusually long life, and slumped against the arena floor underneath Kane’s claws.

The moment Kane was the only Zoid alive, the arena transformed. With a sharp hiss, the artificially generated flames sputtered out. The coliseum was dark with only the lights from the stands illuminating the scene. Where fire had once poured out from the brazier in the center of the area, a strange white fog spilled out. It quickly covered the arena and shrouded Kane. Readouts in the cockpit would alert Timber of a sudden temperature shift as the outside temperature rapidly dropped. The hosts seemed keen on preserving the victorious Zoids and their pilots. In seconds, the temperature of the arena could balance the overheating Proto Zaber. When the situation was under control, the fog dissipated into the walls.

The crowd erupted in cheer. The announcer roared into the microphone, [color=CC9966]Incredible folks! We promised a blood-pumping battle and we delivered! Let’s hear it for our champion of Battle 14, Timber Okami and her Proto Zaber![/color]

The audience rose to their feet and the praise was deafeningly loud. The maintenance Godos were again released into the arena, and then hurried to clear the ground of Zoid remains and prepare for the next fight. One of the Godos, bearing a special armor plate labeled “STAFF”, trotted up to Timber’s Zoid and waved a claw at it, trying to shuffle the Zoid back into South Gate where she first entered. The other Godos turned their backs to Timber and the crowd and did their best to hide the remains of a young woman’s corpse from the cockpit of the Deuce Wolf.

- - -

Mir sighed and shook her head, but there was a smile to her features. [color=B048B5]“Well… I was wrong on both accounts it seems. What are your questions, Vivi? You can ask two of me. Don’t go easy on me, now… I sure won’t.”[/color] She gave him a little wink and leaned back to be more relaxed in her chair.

Ransack slipped quietly from one street to the next, weaving a quick path across the town as he closed in on his destination. Eager for what was promised to be waiting, the Zoid moved quickly, and under stealth, didn't pay as much attention to its surroundings. He had already tasted combat, and his appetite for destruction was growing.

As the Schneider approached the disguised repair shop, he slowed down and dropped the optical stealth, and came to a stop outside the doors. "Well, here it is. Supposedly."

Ransack issued what his pilot interpreted as a grunt.

"Well, let's hope they still let us in. Better late than never. Hey! Anybody home?"

He pushed the Schneider slowly forward toward the doors, never noticing the stealthed Critical Eagle.

The little blue-wearing mage smiled at her, though there was something immensely sad in his eyes as he touched something under his shirt again. "Unfortunately, there is no one of this world. But, that's a story for another time."
Maelstrom scratched at the eagle's beak with his hind claws as they flew, though it did nothing more than make the optical stealth flicker as he scraped the metal. He crossed his arms in a very human-like pout and huffed smoke, his tail flicking with irritation as he was simply taken along for the ride.

He tried to see where he was as they came in to land, flicking his ears until darkness ate them and he slumped, his ears pinned back at the voice.

Oh really? he growled, his red eyes bright in the dark.
It was only by sheer force of will that Kane didn't collapse along with the wolf; his legs buckled as he hit the ground, but still he fought and stayed half-standing at least, tilting his head back with a screeching roar that Timber hadn't heard from him in quite some time.

"Atta boy, Kane," Timber breathed, patting the controls. She was soaking with sweat and shaking from adrenaline, but they were alive and that was what she cared about.

His joints screeched in protest as Kane straightened out and looked around at the crowd roaring their approval. The saber-toothed cat bellowed back, taking a few careful steps away from the carnage and roaring again.

"Now you're just showing off," Timber laughed as her nerves started to settle. She gently nudged the controls to get Kane to follow the godos waving to them, back through the gate.

Gyro had been circling the whole time, staying as clear as he could of the flames. Now he had to beat his wings harder without the hot updrafts, fluttering lower and lower. He frowned as best he could at the corpse of the wolf and winged over to gently land on Kane's head, ruffling the feathers on his head.

That went well?

"Didn't die, that's all I care about."
Unknowingly, the man had straightened in his chair at the end, sitting tall to see the conclusion. Despite how confidant he'd been earlier, he still let a tiny sigh of relief pass his lips before leaning back in his chair and looking to Mir.

"Mmm.. you know," he smiled, leaning over the table towards her, "Technically we were both wrong on one of them. I thought the brastle would win. So... I think that gives you the right to a question of your own."

He sat back in his chair again, taking a contemplative sip of his drink. "But, I'll go first. Your real name, my dear, I am so very curious."

[color=B048B5]“Oh, I am well aware. I’m not about to let you evade my question. But seeing as you have two, I want you to take the first stab,”[/color] Mir smirked at him, but grew guarded and cold as the man in blue pondered his question. Her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly when Vivi finally decided.

[color=B048B5]“Hah! My name? Surely I’m not that interesting?”[/color] She laughed. Nonetheless, the woman glanced to either side of her, assuring herself that everyone else was out of earshot. Her answer might catch him off guard, for it was not common, but Zoidian. If he could speak Zoidian, he would still find it strange, as her tongue was sharp and twisted and muttered in a unique dialect of Zoidian. The name was long and complex, and sounded dangerous and graceful all at once. Then, in common, she translated, [color=B048B5]“Sirina Mirare, of silver fangs and blood wings, Grand Blade of the Nexus of Frost. But I’d prefer if you stick with Mir, or Mirage if you’re feeling fancy. I’m trying not to attract too much attention. Surely you understand, Vivi?”[/color] She winked, and then narrowed her eyes at him.

[color=B048B5]“Now, tell me what this is…”[/color] She tapped her collarbone, gesturing to the hidden object Vivi had grasped several times throughout their conversations. [color=B048B5]“And then ask your second question.”[/color]

- - -

The Critical Eagle grew quiet as the elevator dropped lower and lower. When it finally came to a sharp, lurching stop, the aerial Zoid awkwardly trotted off of the platform, down a narrow hall, and into a low-ceiling room. Here, the Eagle flattened to the ground and released Maelstrom from its beak. A streak of copper light bolted from the torso of the Critical Eagle and circled around, materializing into the shape of an avian-type Organoid. He was white on his underside and dark brown along his back and wings, resembling an osprey bird. His deep golden eyes blinked at Maelstrom somberly.

[color=996666]“I am aware that these are unsavory introductions, but we did not have time to ask permission or explain the situation to your… friends. If you would allow me a few more minutes of your time, you may leave. But if you decide to stay, you may be able to save more than one life. Please, follow me.”[/color]

Without waiting for Maelstrom’s reply, the osprey Organoid beat his wings and soared down a corridor to their right, which led to a series of rooms barred like prison cells. Inside one, a metallic white and gray figure was curled up in a ball, whimpering softly.

[color=996666]“Tarja, I’m here now. I’ve found someone that could help.”[/color]

The huddled figure the osprey was referring to lifted her head and shakily came to her paws. It was another Organoid, resembling a husky dog, with a thick curled tail and mis-matched eyes. She perked up at the sight of the other two, her tail beginning to wag.

[color=A3B3FF]“Azin! I… I didn’t think you’d make it in time.”[/color] She padded up towards where the flying Organoid had landed, and poked out her nose through the bars. [color=A3B3FF]“My masters, did they-“[/color]

[color=996666]“I’ve been informed… Neither survived the battle. I’m sorry for your loss.”[/color] The osprey solemnly preened one of the husky’s metal ears.

Tarja whined again, trembling. [color=A3B3FF]“Then… what’s the point? I should just let them rip me apart. I have no one now…”[/color]

[color=996666]“No, listen to me,”[/color] Azin grabbed her attention with his sudden fierceness. [color=996666]“You cannot let them win. There will always be something to live for, if you only have the will to find it. I believe this one might be able to help us…”[/color] Finally the flying Organoid turned his gaze to Maelstrom, and Tarja also turned to face him.

[color=A3B3FF]“You’d… really fight with me?”[/color] She whimpered, giving him literal puppy-dog eyes. She shifted toward Maelstrom, reaching her paw out through the bars. Her eyes lingered on him, admiring his form and the strange array of weapons and spikes that adorned his black body. [color=A3B3FF]“…What’s your name?”[/color] She asked timidly, an undertone of fear in her voice. There was the faintest blush of red to her cheeks. She had never seen another canine Organoid, let alone one as fearsome as Maelstrom.

Azin gave an uneasy chuckle. [color=996666]“Ahh… I need to catch him up.”[/color] He settled down, like a bird would squat over a nest. [color=996666]“There’s a tournament of sorts going on here, deep underground and out of sight. But it’s more of an experimental bloodbath. At first it was relatively harmless, merely altering Zoids systems to allow them to reach a new level of potential. But it did not stop there. Soon they corrupted their very cores and turned them into killing machines. After they accomplished that, they began to toy with the minds of Organoids in a similar fashion. Turned them into weapons for savage cock fights. People loved it. They will continue to turn Organoids into rabid animals… unless we can show them otherwise.”[/color]

Tarja was quietly looking over Maelstrom, as if organizing a battle strategy in her head. Azin too, grew silent and gave the black wolf time to process all of this new information. [color=996666]“…You can call me a coward if you’d like, but I have no weapons to speak of, and the battle ring will prevent me from flying. I would be useless in this battle. I have asked others, but they either refuse to face these killer Organoids, or accept the new system in hopes of a better chance. They only fuel the desire for more Organoids to die.”[/color]

[color=A3B3FF]“I’d like… to pacify our enemy, if we can.”[/color] Tarja began cautiously, [color=A3B3FF]“Make it a fight the spectators disapprove of. Whatever we can do to avoid killing the others, and stop any similar fights from being arranged. Do you think… you can do that with me?… Please?”[/color]

- - -

[color=C15000]”Ah, I didn’t think you’d make it,”[/color] Marquis quirked an eyebrow up at the Schneider. [color=C15000]”Find trouble along the road?”[/color]

He had already began to tap in the newcomer’s registration into his tablet. As with every entrant, he demanded name, Zoid, and any notable alignments. There were less staff at the front gate than there had been an hour ago. The atmosphere was more lax, but Marquis still went through registration as he had with every pilot.

When Ransack’s file was complete, Marq tossed the pilot his keycard and lowered the Schneider down into the underground hangar, following the same dark ride Timber had taken before him. He arrived at : CAGE 13 : and inside was a bare walled, although comfortably furnished, metal box with bright monitors reflecting the current match-ups and requesting input for the desired match.

Winning Zoids will be restored before the next match.
Please enter desired match number:
______

As the clock ticked away, a voice roared over the megaphones and through the TV screens:

[color=CC9966]”Attention, there will be a brief intermission. We regret to inform the audience that our original lineup for the next match has encountered some technical difficulties. Don’t worry folks, you’ll get to see your favorite Souga in action again soon! Following the intermission, our next battle features Lukas Peitra and his might Elephander! Who will dare challenge the mammoth Zoid?”[/color]

Back through the gate and in Kane’s temporary garage, Timber would find the same battle prompt that Ransack and his pilot faced. And while she examined it, the cage shook. Panels opened in the walls, and mechanical cables lurched forth with the ferocity of an angry serpent and buried their heads inside of Kane’s body. A warmth washed over the Zoid, and from the ridges of his armor, red light pulsed over his form. His core hammered with strong, thunderous beats. The sensation was identical to the healing effects of an Organoid, although in concentrated, liquid form. When Kane had returned the perfect health, the cables snapped free of his metal hide and retreated back into the wall.

Zoid restored. Congratulations on your victory, TIMBER OKAMI.

[color=CC9966]"But it won't be just any break, folks. Get ready for a battle unlike any other! Please turn your attention to the center of the arena... we guarantee you've never seen a fight quite like the one you are about to witness!"[/color]

- - -

[color=66FF99]Invisible Zoid…Could it be the one…?[/color] Iko and Ziro had hunkered down in the shadows and watched the events unfold at the Zoids Repair Shop. When the Schneider vanished into the hangar, Ziro spoke over the comm link with the two fellow Guardian Force members. [color=66FF99]”Guys, think I found a lead. I’m going in, here are the coordinates,”[/color]

[color=999966]”Tereya, don’t you dare! Wait for back-“[/color] Vicky was growling, but the Saix pilot muted the receiving line, so his two superiors would hear his surroundings, but he would not hear them. Ziro ruffled up his hair, adorned a scrappy-looking green jacket from under his seat, and put on his best lowlife face. They approached the doors, and Marq stopped them, as he had the Schneider, and asked for identification and intent.

[color=66FF99]“Oi, Weston Zero. And this is my Lightning Saix, Iko. I’m here for the party. Still got room for an extra pair of claws, I hope?”[/color] Ziro called down to the red-haired staff member. Iko growled for effect, tapping her silver claws against the floor.

Marquis gave him a long, hard look. [color=C15000]”That so. We never sent an invitation to your Zoid, Mr. Zero.”[/color]

[color=66FF99]“No, but I ran down a pair of brats that did receive the notice… They thought they were hot stuff, but they just couldn’t keep up with me!”[/color] He raised his hands and shrugged his shoulders, [color=66FF99]“What are you gonna do? Cocky sons of a- anyways! I figure if those guys were no match for me, then whatever fight they were headed for would be honored to have a pilot such as myself attend…”[/color]

The man called Marquis actually laughed, entertained by Ziro’s tale. He held his chin, considering the offer, and then declared, [color=C15000]“You know, we’re short on volunteer staff. Cooperate with our regulations and we’ll be happy to grant you entry, Weston. But please, next time come with a proper declaration of battle intent. Won’t you? It’s much more engaging to be fighter in our tournaments, I assure you…”[/color]

[color=66FF99]”Aye, we will. ‘Preciate it, mate.”[/color] Ziro started to move Iko forward, but Marq raised his hand and signaled for them to stop.

[color=C15000]”Leave your Zoid with us. We need to run a few tests to make sure it's qualified for our tasks.”[/color]

Here, Ziro hesitated and a frown came to his features. Iko rumbled uneasily. Ziro shushed her softly, [color=66FF99]”It’s okay, sweetheart… Do as they ask, I’ll be back with you before you know it, okay?”[/color] He stroked the console with his hand, consoling her. She gave a quiet chirp of compliance.

Ziro leapt from the cockpit and the staff began to escort Iko toward another point in the hangar. Marq was in the process of registering Ziro to fight, but as soon as Iko was out of sight, an armed group of staff closed in on the Saix pilot. It was then that Iko’s comm link with the rest of the Guardian Force went dead.

"Some coward up the road. Taunted me like he wanted a fight, then bolted into the sky when I took him up on the challenge." He shrugged. "Registration? Put me down as Axis, my Zoid is Ransack. Here for the bloodbath and a shot at some decent cash." He shrugged again. "I work alone, at least for now, no affiliations." He waited for the Marquis to finish entering his info and caught the card when it was tossed up. Nodding down to the man, he spoke up again. "Hey, this is a gambling affair for the spectators, right? Maybe you should put cameras in the cockpits. Let your betting wallets see the faces and emotions of battling pilots." He chuckled before he closed the cockpit back and walked Ransack forward to the elevator lift and waited. As they lowered, he reclined in his seat with his hands behind his head, getting comfortable for the long ride.

"13, huh? And you a great big black cat!" He laughed. "I'd say that's a good omen for us!"

If you believe in that sort of thing, definitely. I suppose that battle means our path is crossing theirs, isn't that how that superstition works? Ransack was clearly amused by the prospect.

Opening the cockpit again and dropping to the floor, Axis walked to the monitors. "I'm putting us in for the next available match. Only opponent so far registered though is...an Elephander?" He shook his head. "Man, his luck is ALREADY bad! Elephander...tusks, back-mounted artillery, and the trunk weapons, not to mention the frontal energy shield. But as slow, clumsy and bulky as it is, it's really only good at range or head on. Up close against any opponent who can get behind it? Scrap metal." With a few button presses, he entered the match. "Ugh, twenty minute wait..." He looked around to the furnishings as he tried to decide how to pass the time without losing his edge.

"Well partner, I guess we watch the screens to see who else we will be in the pit with." Dropping down into a chair and kicking his feet up he looked for anything indicating a drink.

((I just wanted you two to know that I haven't forgotten about this and I'm working on a post, I just haven't been able to words good lately x.x I'll delete this and make a new post when I'm finally able to do so. :c))

Vivi smiled very slowly, as if she really was that interesting to him. His eyes had also lit up when she mentioned she knew she could ask a question of her own, eager to see what it was she was most curious about.

He leaned in when she glanced around, so she wouldn't have to raise her voice too much if she didn't want to. Both eyebrows raised in surprised curiosity as she spoke in a different tongue; if he understood or not, he didn't give much indication. He only smiled and sat up a little, still leaning on the table, and again touched at what was around his neck.

"Beautiful. And, I understand. I promise, I won't tell," he bowed his head slightly, since he couldn't exactly actually bow while leaning in like he was. His obvious curiosity turned to legitimate surprise, and he looked down to realize where his hand was. He laughed, his voice dropping down to a whisper, "Hah! Nearly a thousand years I've worn this, and still I seek the simple comfort of knowing it is here."

With that, he reached back behind his head, undoing the clasp of a chain and carefully pulling the pendant out of his shirt. He held it with an almost reverent quality to his movements, holding tight to the chain and letting the pendant rest against the back of his hand as he held it out for her to see.

It was a black metal three headed dog, edged and accented in gold and silver, with bright lightning-blue crystal chips for eyes. Its paws were wrapped around a purple crystal stone, translucent aside from the occasional flash of what looked like letters carved into the innards of it. Just as quickly as the tiny letters appeared, they were gone, leaving the stone unmarked and smooth. The only constant was a simple streaking meteor shape that seemed to rest in the middle of the stone.

"It's called a Soul Stone. It imparts upon its wearer the infinite knowledge of wearers past. In my case, they taught me devastating magic. This was several hundred years ago; now, it's as much a vessel for my own soul as much as it still holds theirs."

Vivi smiled at Mir, his lightning bright eyes dancing. "Oh... I have a second question, don't I?" he paused to think, leaning in after a few seconds.

"What is a beautiful person like you doing in a place like this, mm?"
Maelstrom tumbled from the eagle's beak, hitting the ground with a thunk and scrambling to his feet, wings mantled up at his sides. His growling didn't change even when he saw it was another organoid, and he sat down with a thunk and pinned his ears back. The black dog sighed slowly out his nose as the bird turned and flapped away, and begrudgingly trotted after, his head down.

He couldn't stay irritated for too long in the face of what was going on, though. Not after he realized the true scope of it all. He'd sat down nearby to listen to the whole sad tale, and the puppy dog eyes certainly had an affect on him... especially coming from such a cute little female.

Of course I'll fight with you, pretty lady, he flashed a toothy grin at her, double fangs sparking for a second. His larger front paw came out to touch Tarja's, his talons gently curled away. The name's Maelstrom. I would say it's nice to meet you, but the circumstances could be better. he puffed himself up proudly at the introduction.

The red-eyed organoid listened as Azin explained, tail flicking. Hm... I have a frost canon that I can try. Or electricity, that might knock them out? his ears twitched as he looked between the two. He could easily be a killing machine, but that wasn't the point here. He'd nearly forgotten about the frost canon too, he used it so rarely. Mmm.

" 's that s'posed to mean?"

Eh, nothing important.

Timber gave her organoid a look as she slid out from Kane's cockpit, taking a few steps towards the monitors. She stopped and spun around at the noise of the holes in the wall opening and the wires coming out, Kane hissing as well. The big cat whipped his head around and bared his fangs up until the rush of healing warmth pulsed through his frame and he relaxed into a hiss. When the piped snapped away and disappeared, he snorted at it, kneading the floor with his claws.

Timber and Gyro looked at each other. Well, that was weird.

"This whole affair is tickling me the wrong way," Timber said lowly to her organoid, turning back to the console. Decision time... more fights meant more prize money, but after the carnage of the last fight, she almost didn't want to continue at all. Scratching the back of her neck, she sighed and put them in for match 16.

"But, I guess we'll figure it out."
Blade and Raider had carefully dug aside some of the building's wreckage until emergency services had arrived, then the pair had turned to follow where the eagle had disappeared to. There was nothing but a sea of buildings with no direction, listening passively to the intercom.

"This seems like a bad idea," Blade said quietly, not really to Vicky or even Raider, just to himself. The black and silver liger trotted forward a little, melting under the cover of his optical stealth he rarely used. The zoid stopped, though, as the link went dead. Seemed like they'd found what they looking for... or something close to it.

"...so...?" Blade was at a loss, though he couldn't tell if it was from fatigue or what. Timber was still on the front of his mind, so this was the best lead... at one point he may have charged in... or maybe that was just what he wanted to do now, but wariness caused him to be cautious. He shook his head. Vicki was Ziro's teammate, it would be her decision to make.

[ I'm bad too! Sorry about that. Busy and distracted and a bit overwhelmed. Rather than jam lots of stuff in here I'm gonna try and give it a bit more time to breathe so you aren't too stressed trying to follow and interact with lots of things at once. Like starting the intermission, gonna make that next one. Too busy otherwise! I know it was making it hard for me to post too. XD ]

Mir leaned it close, although kept a respectful distance so Vivi and his precious trinket didn’t feel threatened. Her sharp eyes studied every detail. The faint glimpse of script within the gem made her nose wrinkle with frustration. She was certainly intrigued, and looked even more curious than before after he finished explaining. [color=B048B5]“Well… that is a very powerful artifact…”[/color] He could see her bite her lip, holding back an array of additional questions she had not earned. But even once he had defined the object, the look in her eyes was a clear tell she was still analyzing it.

His second question brought her out from her thoughts. She leaned back and sighed, arms crossed. Mir was less protective of this information, implying most of the other VIPs might already be aware. [color=B048B5]“…I’m one of the lead designers on this project. I’ve overseen it from the start. Unfortunately… as with all good ideas, someone takes them too far. Despite my insistence… they’ve removed my key safety features and allowed the mechanics to bleed into… areas they shouldn’t.”[/color]

She held up her arms slightly and gave her shoulders a defeated shrug, eyes closed dismissively. [color=B048B5]“So, I’m here to scowl at the results and regret my decisions.” [/color]

- - -

Tarja curled her paw around his, her frightened eyes relaxing somewhat. [color=A3B3FF]”…If you are the last friendly face I meet in this lifetime, then this is the best circumstance it could be…”[/color]

Azin ruffled his metallic feathers and gave a thoughtful click of his beak. [color=996666]”Either weapons are viable options… We’ve never attempted this before. Just don’t give the audience what they want: Destruction. Resolution. Entertainment. We need to shut this program down.”[/color]

[color=A3B3FF]”If we can break up the fight, maybe we could talk to them?”[/color] Tarja suggested.

[color=996666]”Perhaps, but do so cautiously. Their minds are compromised and do not function with the same understanding of… control.”[/color]

Tarja was leaning against the bars at this point, trying to be as physically close to Maelstrom as she could. She poked her nose toward him and whispered sadly, [color=A3B3FF]”…Did they take the life of your master too?”[/color]

Azin grew very quiet at that, trying to look innocent and not involved with Maelstrom’s situation. The osprey Organoid hopped over to the keypad that locked Tarja’s cell. He paused there for a moment, his thoughts elsewhere. Then, with surprising certainty and speed, he tapped at the interface with his beak, entering the correct passcode on his first attempt. The door slid open, startling Tarja.

[color=996666]”Quickly. It’s about to start. You’ll need to be in here with her.”[/color] Azin instructed the wolf Organoid with his calm, calculating gold eyes.

- - -

[color=999966]“…I’m not abandoning my teammate. Idiotic as he may be.”[/color] Victoria growled fiercely over the intercom. [color=999966]“Hiding his identity didn’t work out for Ziro. We’ll probably have the same luck. Stay in your Zoid as long as you can. If they turn on us, we’re tearing the place down. If you get in, I imagine we’re going to lose communication. Use your own judgment… but our goal is to end this operation. Let’s roll, Wolfe!”[/color]

Her Gairyuki approached the entrance to the repair shop with confidence and purpose. Once inside, she was stopped by a different individual. He looked younger, and less experienced, but ran her through the same initiation that Marquis had been responsible for. [color=999966]“Victoria Makani. Republican soldier. Gairyuki Shin… I’m here to fight.”[/color]

From what Blade could tell, her registration went on without a hitch. Almost as if they had been… expecting her arrival. Vicky turned her head back, looking for the invisible Blade Liger and silently wishing him luck. She received her keycard and her Zoid was lowered down into the maze of dark tunnels and elevators that would take her to one of the underground hangars. At least she was not escorted at gunpoint, as Ziro had been when separated from his Zoid.

Once she had been locked in and loaded deep underground, Vicky approached the console with the battle descriptions. And for a moment, the mission left her mind, as she saw the name of her lost quarry… “Souga”.

- - -

There was a cold, echoing knock on Ransack’s hangar. The gesture was only a warning, as the visitor strolled in without permission from the Zoid and pilot. Standing there, hands in his pockets, and a sly grin across his features, was Marquis.

[color=C15000]“Axis…”[/color] He began, giving the Schneider a glance over, noting its readiness to fight. [color=C15000]”It seems we’ve encountered some… unexpected interference. We’ve identified some Guardian Force members attempting to infiltrate the tournament. Don’t worry, things are still going to run as usual…”[/color]

He settled in one of the armchairs by the monitor, lounging comfortably as if he owned the place. [color=C15000]“We’re going to pay you triple for each one you slay. I don’t want them walking out of here alive. Make sure it doesn’t look… too intentional.”[/color] Marquis tapped the side of his nose and sneered. [color=C15000]“Oh, there’s a reason we don’t have cockpit cameras… Don’t want to unsettle the crowd with anything too gruesome…”[/color]

Axis nodded as Marquis entered. He sneered at the mention of Guardian Force, but Marquis confidence cut of his retort. The prospect of tripling his profits, however, sent a wicked smile crawling slowly across his face.

"Intentional? I thought everyone here, competitor and guest alike understood that this was an extremely violent, and lethal, sport? Are your spectators squeamish perhaps?"Ransack gave a low growl. Axis shrugged with a grin, likely enjoying his humor more than Marquis.

"I WILL promise you that I won't make it any more or less brutal towards one opponent or another. I don't care who they were topside, in the ring, everyone is victor or victim."

The Schneider turned some and inclined his head. Perhaps you will not hold it against us if we prove to be QUITE violent in the ring. It is something of a hallmark....and hobby.

Axis laughed. "I can almost guarantee you, any of your betting wallets that don't lose their hors d'oeuvres all over the floor are in for a show!"

Vivi had slowly smiled, noting Mir's obvious interest, the questions in her eyes. His smile dropped away after his second question and her reaction, and he sat up slightly to listen. As she answered, he fixed the chain back around his neck, tucking the snarling hellhound back under his coat.

"Oh," he said quietly once she'd finished. He looked back to the arena area as they prepared for the intermission, looking thoughtful. "That's why you approached me then, wasn't it? Curious to see what a new face thought?" he stopped when he realized she really had no obligation to answer him, given their previous agreement.

The blonde studied her intensely with his bright lightning eyes, turning his nearly empty glass around in his hands.

"Can it be salvaged? Can your regrets be undone?"
Maelstrom grinned at Tarja with dashing confidence as they held paws, and he kept his grip on hers even when his ear flicked and he turned to look at and bob his head to Azin. The ice... he was trying to think of ways to use the ice to their advantage. Prevent the fighting, somehow.

Ah... he looked to the bird, trying to appear innocent. There were more important things to worry about than being irritated at Azin still, so the wolf let it go for now, No, my other half is safe... I'm hoping he stays that way without me around. You'll get to meet him later, if you'd like. The black organoid leaned forward, and gently touched the tip of his nose to hers.

The door slid open to Maelstrom's surprise, and he jerked away startled as well. He hopped into the cell with the other canine, wagging his tail briefly to try and be reassuring. So, sweetheart, do you have any ideas? Was kind of thinking of freezing them to the floor, or something."Right," Blade breathed quietly in response. Of course, never abandon a partner. He knew that, and yet... and yet... if he hadn't known that Timber was somewhere under Raider's paws, his wounded sense of self preservation would have likely made him turn and walk away.

He suddenly pushed Raider forward, the liger trotting towards the hangar and his camo melting away. The black cat stopped inside, staring down at the man for the registration. Though he didn't have dedicated eyes, the strip of reinforced cockpit glass glowed, reflecting on his silver accents as his mane ruffled out.

"I am here looking for someone," Blade said, deathly calm over the intercom. Raider's thunderous notes echoed behind his voice, as if they were one. "And you're going to do whatever it is you have to do there to let me in so I can find her."

Mir sighed. After several quiet moments, where it seemed she might not answer at all, the woman opened her eyes again and gave him more answers than he might have been expected. Free of cost. [color=B048B5]“Curious of your opinion? No. Although I regret what it has evolved into, it fulfilled my own personal goals. You see, I wanted the project for myself. I got what I wanted out of it,”[/color] She did not linger there, as if that was information she would not present to him so easily. [color=B048B5]“No, it was mostly because you looked as lonely as I was. And the people here don’t come to be lonely. I was intrigued as to what kind of person you were.”[/color]

Her eyes lowered and she shook her head softly, [color=B048B5]“No, not salvaged. It would be better off destroyed entirely. But these things spread like wildfire and evolve into even worse creations just as quickly. It won’t stop here.”[/color]

- - -

Azin entered a second input, and the cage locked again. Various lights and countdowns went off in the hallway, and the canine Organoids felt the metal floor shift uneasily at their feet. The metal around Tarja’s face was flushed red, and she shyly pawed at the side of Maelstrom’s leg. [color=A3B3FF]“…I would like to meet him…! Yes, I like that idea! If we can get him still, maybe we can calm him down and reason with him… We'll all make it out of this!”[/color]

In the middle of her pondering, the cage lurched and then began to ascend. Azin stepped back and watched as their cell was pulled up through a new opening in the ceiling, on to a second floor beyond… then darkness, and then a final panel above their heads opened, revealing a blinding light as they entered the arena…

[color=996666]"...Good luck, you two."[/color]

- - -

Marquis cackled under his breath, amused by Axis’ comments on the tournament. [color=C15000]“Oh, it’s not the spectators I’m worried about, but the competitors. If they discover not all of the pilots and Zoids are willing, they might… fight with restraints. We can’t have that spoiling the show.”[/color] He cupped his chin and his grin at Axis widened, approving of his take on combat. [color=C15000]“Excellent. I knew I could expect a good fight from you. Speaking of…”[/color] He turned his attention back towards the monitor, which was focusing in on a different scene.

[color=CC9966]“The wait is over folks! We promised you a fight for the ages! We are all to familiar with ordinary Zoid battles these days! Long past are the ancient, feral days of dog fights between all forms of life… Now, we present, the latest technology applied to the most mysterious creatures of Zi… An Organoid death brawl!”[/color]

The crowd exploded with a mix of shock and excitement. The lights dimmed and centered on the battleground. What was once the basin of fire was replaced with a metal dome. It split apart into halves, collapsing into the base of the arena to reveal what was hidden within. A clear half-sphere energy field flickered and reflected the lights of the coliseum. For an extra level of protection, metal bars spaced two feet apart in the same dome shape. Various small cameras circled the mini area, the visuals broadcasted on all monitors. At the north end of the dome, a large mechanical creature was chained to the floor. It resembled a bipedal reptile, bulky and with a large head. When the lights focused on the mech, it roared and thrashed its head, jaws parting to reveal teeth the size of steak knives. Unlike a standard Organoid, this one appeared stripped down, almost skeletal in nature. It resembled a Bio Tyranno, with various spines and blades protruding from its strange lack of armor. Its beady green eyes glared at the nearest camera, and it tried to snap at it, earning a few shrieks of surprise from the viewers.

On the opposite end of the arena, a panel in the floor split apart and a small cage holding two canine Organoids rose up. It locked into place and the cell compacted back into the floor, leaving the pair exposed and free to move about the arena. Now with figures to compare it to, the tyrannosaurus Organoid’s size was more apparent. Maelstrom came up to its knee, and Tarja looked like she could fit in its jaws. The dome was only 60 ft across and 30 ft tall at the center, putting the Organoids at fairly close quarters. With the t-rex Organoid standing 15 ft tall, it wasn’t designed to give them an option other than combat. Both Timber and Victoria would have a perfect view of the familiar black wolf from the comfort of their personal hangars.

The beastly Organoid grew frenzied at the sight of the smaller mechs. It spread its jaws wide and screamed, causing the barrier to shake. It pulled against its binds, which creaked and began to bend. It was very clear that they were not meant to last long, and only there for an initial dramatic look.

Tarja’s confidence collapsed at the sight of the monstrous Organoid. Her tail curled between her legs and the mechanical husky dog trembled. [color=A3B3FF]“Maelstrom… Maelstrom I can’t, there’s no way…”[/color]

[color=CC9966]“Let’s count it down, ladies and gentlemen! Will our two heroic hounds be able to best their enraged challenger? We’ll find out in 3… 2…”[/color]

Tarja took a cautious and terrified step back, and it was all the berserking Organoid needed to trigger. It surged forward, snapping its bindings, and stampeded with thunderous force toward the two canines in blind bloodlust.
- - -

Mir had risen to her feet and left the table. Rather than watching from a monitor, she was standing in front of the glass windows of the VIP section that looked down on the arena. Her fists were clenched and brow furrowed. For the first time, Mir looked disturbed.

- - -

At this point, the jingle of Marquis’ phone disturbed Axis’ viewing of the show. Marq brought the device to his ear and received an update from his registration officer. Axis and Ransack could faintly hear the younger and less experienced man stammering on the other end.

“Boss he- No name, just - - asking about a girl - what am I-“

Marquis sneered, his eyes glinting with excitement. [color=C15000]“Put me on speaker.”[/color] He ordered, and the young boy scrambled with his radio so that Blade could hear the response. Marquis gave Axis a wink, and then called out to the Blade Liger pilot,

[color=C15000]“I’m in charge of this show. I have no problem allowing that request. However, that depends on you… Are you willing to kill for her?”[/color]

Avid watches the scene unfolding in the display and his eyebrows went up. "That's a whole lot of money about to rip itself to pieces!" He chucked chuckled as he considered the body language of the two smaller Organoids compared to their larger opponent. "Not all willing, huh?" He laughed again. "Sucks for them! Unfortunately for your show, I think that one," he pointed at Tarja, "MIGHT put a damper on it by spoiling the big secret!" He flinched involuntarily as the Trex snapped at a camera, giving an uncomfortable view from the perspective of the two smaller Organoids.

Marquis' phone conversation was almost lost on Axis as he watches watched the Tyranosaurus tear free of its bindings and close the short distance to its apparently doomed prey, but the question about being willing to kill for a girl had him glancing back with more than a passing interest.

But as the cameras gave a close up on Maelstrom, a flicker of recognition crossed his face. "Hey, that looks like..." The winged wolf had a rather distinctive appearance, and Axis strongly doubted that two Organoids could look so similar in such close proximity in such a short time. Or at least, he strongly doubted the possibility. A new from spread as he considered the possibility of fighting the Critical Eagle in the arena.

[[I'm so sorry it took me so long!!!! T-T
Life has been crazy and my phone screen broke and I finally got it replaced.... *dies*
I kinda wish you two hadn't waited on me lol. But here it is, I might edit more, but only if I can by the end of the day!]]

"Ah," Vivi said gently, at first, watching her curiously. He abruptly downed the last little bit of his drink and set the glass back on the table. The little man quietly mulled over his thoughts up until Mir stood and walked over to the glass, at which point he followed to stand next to her. At first, he watched her more than the organoids, though his gaze slipped back to the arena.

"Even if, in the long run, it doesn't matter... would you like to see this all destroyed?" Vivi said abruptly, looking back to her slowly.
Maelstrom had enough time to flash Tarja a confident grin before the cage moved, taking them to the arena. His already perked ears twitched as they moved into the light, and his tail gave a few thoughtful flicks at the sight of the rage monster.

Huh. You're as big as Dessy. Can't say that surprises me, he looked back at the husky cowering, and wagged his tail to try and lift her spirits. It'll be ok. We'll figure something out.

The cabled snapped at that point, and the black wolf whipped his head forward again, pinning his ears down. Hey, buddy! Yeah, you! Can we maybe talk about this? he called out, the bare pinion piece on his shoulders snapping up and letting his wings unfold, which he kept loosely tucked at his sides. Here's hoping this works, he said conversationally back to the other dog, readying his wings.

He leapt as close to the last possible second as he could, his wings beating the air and then abruptly snapping close to his body, trying to land on the monster organoid's face and get a good grip so it couldn't throw him off again.Timber, look.

Timber was mid-drink when she turned her head, looking at the monitor that Gyro was intently staring at. She choked on her liquor and turned her head to spit it out, hacking and coughing as she looked back in horror. "Mally? But, if he's here..." she dug into her pocket with her free hand, pulling out her phone but pausing when she saw it had no service.

"...fuck."
Raider seemed to breathe in sync with his pilot, the fins on his face and shoulders expanding and contracting, with the sound of rushing air.

"Yes," Blade growled back, and his Zoid's tail whipped around with irritation, a paw stamping impatiently on the floor. "He better not be doin' anythin' stupid, I swear to Eve..."

Attempting to look at least slightly in control of her emotions, Mir shifted from clenched fists to crossing her arms, her fingers digging tensely into her biceps. Her silver gaze was locked on the battle of Organoids. There was a hopeful intensity to her eyes, but her aura was one of fear and uncertainty. She was very invested in some aspect of this intermission. In a lowered voice, she told him, [color=B048B5]“…Yes. I’ve already begun the process.”[/color]

- - -

Tarja hesitantly lifted her head and blinked her mis-matched eyes at the male. He was so calm. So confident. But they had already triggered their enemy to attack, and it was massive. The husky Organoid, less experienced and lacking Maelstrom’s resolve, she backed up to the curved wall of the transparent energy field dome. The charging beast had no words to offer Maelstrom, and its reply was composed only of vicious, pain and anger-filled shrieks and roars that shook the battle dome. Its massive jaws spread wide with the intention of caging Maelstrom in a death trap of teeth, but the agile wolf was too quick. Its fangs met only air, and a split second later Maelstrom was locked into its face with his claws.

The Rex stopped in place a screamed, raising its head up high. Its small beady eyes were blocked by Maelstrom’s body, and it appeared disoriented, although aware its prey was just out of reach of its short arms. The crowd whooped and cheered for Maelstrom’s performance. Extremely agitated, the monster Organoid began to toss its head around while walking toward the outer edge of the arena, bringing Maelstrom dangerously close toward the energy field.

The roar of boosters suddenly interrupted the beast’s bellowing, as Tarja launched forward from her position and threw her small body for the Rex’s ankle mid-step. There was an agonizing crash of metal as her skull collided against its left limb. Although it was built thin and skeletal, its frame was still solid, but the impact was enough to send bits of metal flying from its joints, and the monster stumbled and landed on its side, Maelstrom still latched to its face.

Tarja skidded to a halt at the other end of the arena, panting and limping. There was a deep dent and several cuts in the right side of her face. Her head was twisted awkwardly, but she seemed functional and able to fight, although a bit stunned. The Rex was downed for a second, but the rage monster would surely have no intention of staying in such a vulnerable position. It was much, much angrier than before.

- - -

[color=C15000]“Good. I'm looking forward to it.”[/color] Marquis replied calmly, although a wicked grin was painted across his features. He clicked off the radio and secured it to his belt again.

[color=C15000]“You know the black mutt?”[/color] He asked Axis. Marquis retrieved his tablet from his pocket and swiped through a few different screens. His brow furrowed ever so slightly. [color=C15000]”He wasn’t on the roster. We haven’t been lucky with Organoid sign-ups today. The girl with the Zaber was apparently hiding one in her Zoid… so we weren’t able to confiscate it before she got set up in the hangar. A shame, a raptor against a rex surely would have been a crowd pleaser.”[/color]

He leaned back comfortably on the couch and casually watched the fight. A few times he entered some text on his tablet and was distracted with some settings. [color=C15000]”I won’t say no to a last minute addition. But I will want to know who to off for letting it sneak in without registration, if that’s the case…”[/color] Marquis glanced over his shoulder at the black feline Zoid. [color=C15000]"You think you and the Schneider can handle a battle against an Organoid? I'd like to see you go all the way, Axis.[/color]

- - -

Without any additional confrontation, Raider and Blade would be lowered and escorted to their hangar with the same elevator as the combatants that came before him. His hangar number was labeled 16, and the usual furniture and technology was set up in the room. One monitor gave Blade a dynamic view of Maelstrom and Tarja's battle with one extremely pissed off monstrous Organoid. The other was the sign up screen - which did not prompt Blade with an option.

Axis shrugged as he looked at the screen. "I doubt there are two black wolves with wings in this little town at the same time. Saw it circling overhead while we were topside and we hunkered down to see what it was going to do. Last I saw of it, it was in the beak of a Critical Eagle that acted like he wanted a fight. We charged, he took off, I came here." He shrugged again and shook his head. "Maybe your announcer deserves a raise for acting like he was expecting it? Didn't miss a beat with the introduction."

He started to laugh at the notion of fighting an Organoid, but Ransack cut him off with a growl. Small, fast, flies. My blades and gun are practically useless.

"Teeth and claws, plus the shield still."

Leaving ME in the rather undignified position of looking like a cat trying to pounce on a fly. Yes, how very exciting. I can't wait.

Axis laughed at his Zoid's tone and utter lack of enthusiasm. "I suppose I can't argue with my partner. But can't Organoids TAKE OVER larger Zoids? Unless you know how to protect against that, seems risky." He glanced down as the last slot filled up and a wicked grin crept back into place.

Her tension was not lost on him, though Vivi didn't otherwise react to it at all. He looked to the arena again, trying to piece together what it was she was thinking, though his own thoughts continued intruding. While he hated to interrupt, he wanted to know...

"May I help?"Shhhh, hey calm down big guy, let's talk about this, Maelstrom continued trying as he did his best to stay glued to the dinosaur's face, fanning his wings down to try and use as blinders. He stayed as huddled down as he could, hearing the buzzing of the energy field just behind his head a few times as he desperately looked around for something he could use to disable this thing; a weak point in the neck, or something added to the structure.

The wolf flinched at the thunderous sound of the rex hitting the ground, beating his wings hard to get himself off the ground in a quick jump, aiming him at the rex's leg, closest to the floor. He took a deep, massive 'breath' of air, his armor plates expanding as the weapon in his throat worked furiously to drop the temperature and inject the freezing agent before he breathed out again. Aiming at the leg, he opened his jaws and breathed out a short billow of freezing cold, trying to stick its leg to the ground, or make it too fragile or slick to stand. Something.
Timber looked back at Gyro, who tilted his head in a shrug, This box has no exits right now, so I don't think we could do anything even if we wanted to. Assuming we could even get to the arena, and get back here.

She looked around, though she knew the organoid was right. They'd walked into a very well made trap.

"I'm not drunk enough for all this."
Raider's cockpit hatch glowed in the dark as they descended, and were put into another holding room. The man at the helm of the liger sighed at the sight on the monitor... at least now he knew where Maelstrom went. He and his zoid glanced around, taking in the walls. The liger raised a paw, his claws glowing gold, and cautiously touched the nearest wall to see if they could cleave through it or if it had been tempered to resist such a thing.